Russian seaplane tender Orlitsa; Boris Shtchepotyev; Grigorovitch M-9's

[ArvoLV]

Esteemed forum members;

I am trying to locate some additional data/photographs of the Russian seaplane tender “Orlitsa” as well as of some of the seaplanes she serviced in the 1915/1916 time frame (more than likely Grigorovitch M-9’s) – as well as information on Boris Shtchepotyev (one of the pilots assigned to the “Orlitsa”). I would be most appreciative of any assistance/help from fellow forum members.

The Russian seaplane mothership “Orlitsa” and her aircraft were very active in the waters off of the Estonian Islands as well as in the Gulf of Riga in 1915 and 1916. This was a time when German land forces were driving the Russian armies out of Couronia (Kurland/Kurzeme) and every effort had to be taken by the Russian to neutralize the German threats.

Of interest to note is that despite his Russian-sounding name, Boris Shtchepotyev was of Estonian heritage (he in fact served in the Estonian Air Defense Forces (EADF) from 1918 until the late 1930’s). In one action off of the Latvian town of Ragociemei, where the Russians had emplaced a coastal artillery unit, between 04 to 17 July 1916, - Shtchepotyev and three other Russian seaplanes took off to complete a mission in that area - presumably flying Grigorovitch M-9 seaplanes. When they returned from their mission, they noticed a number of German seaplanes heading towards the “Orlitsa”. In the resulting air battle, Shtchepotyev was able to shoot down a German seaplane (type unknown). In addition, he was able to land his seaplane in the water and picked up both the German pilot and his observer (names presently unknown). In that same action, a Russian Lieutenant named Petrov, was also able to bring down a German seaplane in the same area (I presume that Petrov as well was flying an M-9 seaplane).

In 1937, when Boris Shtchepotyev was on business in Germany on behalf of the EADF, he encountered one of the German pilots he rescued that day in 1916 – who truly thanked him for saving his life. It need be noted that for his actions that day in 1916, the downing of a German seaplane and for his heroic rescue of his foes - Boris Shtchepotyev was awarded the Order of St. Vladimir, 4th class.

I’d like very much to be able to generate some color art work of the aircraft that Boris Shtchepotyev flew in 1915/1916 – and perhaps also the German a/c that he was able to shoot down.

Thank you kindly in advance.

Regards;

Arvo L. V.

Reference for the above information: Personal correspondence with the right honourable Mr. Toivo Kitvel, an Estonian aviation researcher residing in Tallinn, Estonia.

[Rick]

Arvo, there is a remote possibility that the "unknown" German crew were from SFS Angrnsee. If so, on 4Jul16 Ltn.z.S. Hans Siburg (P) and Flg.Ob.Mt. Friedrich Carl Meyer were taken POW off Ragotsem Cape. Can't help with your other questions.

You might try posting on the Forum at www.warchron.com. I'm sure Augie will be happy to discuss this with you. R.

[ArvoLV]

Esteemed Rick;

Thank you kindly for your reply, your information and for your recommendations. I'll post at warchron shortly. I too suspect that the German a/c involved in this incident may have been from SFS Angernsee.

Again, many thanks.

Regards;

Arvo L. V.

[vikinn]

Arvo,
I have information of this event:

04 July 1916 Russian aircrew Pilot Lieutenant Petrov S.A. and Observer unter-officer Korshunov N.P. flying seaplane M-9 # Sch.S.-13 from “Orlitsa” shot down German seaplane FF 33h # 666 from SFS Angrnsee.

German crew Ltn.z.S. Hans Siburg (P) and Flg.Ob.Mt. Friedrich Carl Meyer (O) was POWs by Russian aircrew Pilot Michman Shtchepotyev B. and Observer unter-officer Shepelev A.A. flying seaplane M-9 # Sch.S.-11 from “Orlitsa” .
Michman Shtchepotyev was able to land his seaplane in the water and picked up German aircrew.

Regards, Vikinn.

[ArvoLV]

Esteemed Vikinn;

Thank you very much for the information. I am most appreciative of same. So it was Petrov/Korshunov that shot down FF.33H, B/N 666 - but it was Shtchepotyev/Shepelev that picked up Siburg/Meyer.

Any chance that you have some photographs of the M-9 seaplanes involved available (smile)?

Again, many, many thanks.

Regards;

Arvo

[JohnFitz]

Arvo, You can get excellent, detailed drawings in 1/48 scale of the M-9 from Wind Canyon Books. They are drawn by W.A. Eberspacher. Boats were finished clear oil varnish (exterior) and painted white enamel (interior). Thought you might be interested.

[ArvoLV]

Esteemed JohnFitz;

Thank you for the tip re a book/reference material on the Grigorovitsh M-9 seaplanes. This helps me quite a bit.

Again, many thanks.

Regards;

Arvo