The Russian civil war was one of the major events of the last century, leading to the establishment of the Soviet Union. After the First World War the British Government, with the full backing of Secretary of State for War Winston Churchill, sent British forces to help the White Russian armies end the Bolshevik Revolution. In 1918–1920 the RAF sent 221, 266 and 47 Squadron to fight alongside General Denekin in South Russia.
The RAF launched attacks on Red Army troops, ships and aircraft, and dropped bombs on Grozney, Astrokhan and Tsaritsin (Stalingrad), which was captured by British tanks 23 years before Hitler’s army was destroyed there. Many of the RAF men were experienced and battle-hardened pilots, having fought on the Western Front against the German Air Force; the Red Air Force soon learned the quality of their opponents.
With the overall collapse of the White Forces in South Russia, the British were forced to make an honourable withdrawal in 1920. The contribution made by the RAF aircrews to the White Russian cause was nonetheless great, and out of all proportion to their numbers.
This is the first book focusing on the 1918–1920 RAF campaign in South Russia ever to be published, and presents a fascinating insight into an almost unknown period in RAF history.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
John Smith was born in Lancashire and left school aged 15 to start an apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery. After working in construction for 20 years he spent the next 20 years teaching in various Further Education colleges in the London area. Between careers he was awarded a BA in History & Philosophy at North London University, and an MA in War Studies at Kings College London. He now works as a Clerk of Works for a large surveying company.
He has a lifelong interest in the RAF and military aviation, brought on by reading Biggles from an early age.
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| Publication: |
June 2010 |
Extent: |
192 pages |
| Availability: |
In stock |
Images Mono: |
50 |
| Format: |
235 x 156 mm |
Images Colour: |
0 |
| Binding: |
Paperback |
|
