After the Armistice

[agblume]

As some of my aviation friends know I have long believed that WWI did not end on 11.11.1918. Beginning in November 1917 a series of other conflicts, all involving aviation, began taking place within the former Russian Empire. Some of these conflicts grew in intensity over time, while others began taking place in Central Europe and the Balkans and Asia Minor. It was not until late 1921 and early 1922 that things subsided.

I thought it might be of interest to offer folks some basic facts on some of the air services involved during this period.

Soviet Russia: The Red Air Fleet eventually had 53 recon AOs (detachments) of 4-6 aircraft along with 1 or 2 fighters; 15 fighter AOs of 4-6 aircraft, sometimes joined in Avia Groups of 3-4 units; 3 artillery AOs of 4-6 aircraft; one photo AO of 4-6 aircraft. They flew over 17,000 missions, over 23,250 hours, dropped 59,788 kg bombs and 8,900 kg leaflets.

Red naval aviation were served with Flotillas, with one each operating in the Baltic, North Russia, the Volga, Dneiper River, Black Sea and Caspian Sea. They flew about 2,000 missions, 4,300 hours, dropped 34,700 kg bombs and 104 kg leaflets.

Red aeronautical units made 2,044 assents, about 3,200 hours.

In Spring 1918 the Reds had 1,400 aircraft. Production facilities were inadequate to the task of keeping up with growing needs. By Spring 1920 there were 700 aircraft, and by September 1920 there were only 300 operational aircraft. About 500 aircraft were lost in crashes in front and rear.

Red losses were: 1918 combat – 31 pilots - 9 observers; 1918 non-combat – 52 pilots - 49 observers; 1919 combat – 65 pilots - 18 observers; 1919 non-combat -83 pilots - 49 observers; 1920 combat – 51 pilots - 12 observers; 1920 non-combat – 21 pilots – 14 observers. The Order of the Red Banner was awarded to 216 airmen.

If enough people would like to learn more about the Whites and others in North Russia, Siberia and South Russia I would be happy to continue this thread. Please, let’s see a show of hands. Thank you. Best regards, agblume

[Graeme]

Hi August

As you know, I haven't done much research into this theatre of operations, but I have copies of the Despatches that appeared in the London Gazette covering British involvement from 24 May 1918 (inception date for the North Russia Expeditionary Force) to 8 October 1919 (when the last troops left Murmansk). I can also provide details of awards to RAF personnel for service in both North and South Russia.

It'll be interesting to see how much interest is generated.

Graeme

[Rick]

I'm interested. Keep it up, Augie. Rick

[retread]

I have a couple (of hundred) questions. Firstly I notice the majority of casualties among aircrew were not combat related. Not terribly surprising considering the state of development of aviation yet it makes me curious how the early Reds compared in such areas as quality of aircraft, aircrew, and training versus the state of the art in England , France , and Germany at the height of the war? Also how much did the severe weather of Russia, Balkans etc. restrict flying operations and what if any methods were developed to deal with it? Did these post-war wars contribute any noticeable advancements in aircraft, aircraft technologies, or aircraft operations? Was this a period of inovation or hand to mouth, patch and a prayer expediency?

[josquin]

I have great interest in information in all categories (operational,
strategic/tactical, equipment, biographical) concerning ALL of the
conflicts occurring during the 1917-22 "postwar" period. I'm
looking forward to your Schiffer books, on Russian aviation both
prewar and wartime, with keen anticipation. Keep up the
outstanding work!

Regards,

Josquin

[Gregvan]

Hey Augie,

You KNOW I'm interested! Keep it coming. I'm looking forward to your books as well.

Greg

[rammjaeger]

Hello Augie,

you know I am always interested to learn more about this topic and this time too.

VBR
Hannes

[Immo_Frese]

Hello Augie, I'm interested too. And of course, like the others can't wait to see your books...

Immo

[Olson]

It's surprising how little about this wide ranging conflict appears in the English language coverage of the Great War, we need more. Add my yes vote.........John

[agblume]

Hello retread, Like yourself I also have hundreds of unanswered question regarding the early Red Air Fleet and the air services of other combatants in the 1918-1922 period. The majority of casualties among Red aircrews were the result of worn out and poorly maintained aircraft, lack of quality aviation fuel and poor training. It must be kept in mind that after November 1917 the plants manufacturing aircraft, engines and other parts fell into disrepair. Many of the more highly trained engineers and skilled workers were anti-Bolshevik and left their jobs.

In March 1918 when the first units of the Red Air Fleet began forming the personnel from the former Air Fleet (about 60%, the other 40% were not to be found, having joined White forces or fled the country) had been registered, locations of their families were noted and their political trustworthiness was questioned. At first only non-commissioned officers who had proven Bolshevik leanings were allowed to fly. Later officers were allowed to fly, but almost entirely in two-seaters with a Commissar (with Nagent revolver) in the observers seat. The number of defections was amazing. One pilot (with White leanings) flying on a combat mission caused his engine to cut in and out causing alarm to his Commissar. The pilot, knowing where he was told him that they must land or they would crash. The Commissar (not knowing where there were) agreed. Of course, the pilot landed behind White positions. They were captured and the Commissar quickly met his death.

Weather was definitely a factor. Innovation was out of the question. There is no comparison to France, Britain or Germany. Conditions in Russia were chaotic. Everything was patched up to make it work. Parts were taken from other aircraft, field conditions prevailed and mechanics were not always up to the job.

Sorry for the long winded answer. Hope it fills in a couple of holes and stimulates others to research the period. Best regards, August