The Air War Above Rzhev – Zubtsov: 1st Soviet Rzhev – Sychevka Offensive 30 July – 30 September 1942 (REVISED)

Air Combat Diary Above the sector Rzhev – Zubtsov:
1st Soviet Rzhev – Sychevka Offensive 30 July – 30 September 1942
By Kirill Chekmarev and Michael Barrentine (8 July 2019)
Revised (30 June 2020)

Introduction:

I started off this project in search of one pilot from II./JG 54, Hans Beisswenger. While taking notes from different days the information accumulated quickly, then began spiraling out of control and I therefore shared some of it on the website “12 O’ Clock High! The Luftwaffe and Allied Forum”. After my last post on this subject there, I still had material left over that had not be posted. As can be seen from the “title” if fully done it would cover the days for the 1st Soviet Rzhev – Sychevka Offensive. This work does not have information concerning the Luftwaffe’s bomber, Stuka, Bf 110 and reconnaissance aviation except were it intertwines with the German Bf 109 operations. While the Soviet aviation has many missions listed for their actions during the day it still shows the actions or inactions of the German Bf 109 fighter units in that sector from the Soviet view point. My friend Kirill “Kirche” Chermarev (whom I regret have never met personally) provided a lot of the material from his personal research in the Russian archives in Moscow. My contributions are usually what I translated from the reports found on the Russian website “Память Народа 1941 – 1945”, which are noted with the source TsAMO. The internet has brought much information and many people such as myself living near a very small town of Altha, Florida (U.S.A.) and Kirill in Moscow, Russia together. Still as I have been told by him there is some information posted that is wrong on line on the internet.
Kirill kept me as correct as possible but any mistakes are mine. His name is thus more appropriate to me as the first listed in credit for this article. Kirill volunteer’s his time to a guess you might say a hobby of love in his off time, he does “Military archaeology” of crashed aircraft sites from the areas mentioned in this article with a Russian team. They have recovered over the years many Soviet aircraft and German aircraft, along with the aviators remains for proper military burial and contacting love ones of their recovery.
Besides Kirill there is another person to thank and that is Andrey Kuznetsov, an excellent author of Soviet Military Operations, who came to my rescue by correcting a mistake that I made on a Soviet unit (Russian cursive writing is a lot harder to read for someone not familiar with it). Also, must be given credit for the names listed of Soviet aviators the website www.allaces.ru that helped many times in providing the full Russian name.
I did not use to many published sources but some were used and credited at the end here. Mikhail Bykov did excellent work on the Soviet aces information and thus when observing after the type claim made (example: Me-109 (6) for the claim) is the number. Like the German claims that were made I gave the type aircraft that was claimed in the German case, if they listed LaGG-3 that was placed on their score, even though it might have been a Yak-1. So in the case of Soviet pilots, even though it is considered a Bf 109 in the case of the claim on their score it is listed as a He-113 or Me-109. The German ranks are listed in the German pronunciation and the Soviet ranks have been translated as in the Russian pronunciation (example: Mayor, which is Major). The times listed have for the Russian time (MT) behind it is for Moscow Time and is one hour ahead of German Summer Time. I have attempted to list names of places in the correct English spelling of the Russian names for locating on a map, German spelled names being sometimes impossible to locate on current maps.
The information on the units of the Soviet 1st Air Army (1 VA), I did not find fully on line but when available I used them. Much more information on the Soviet 3rd Air Army (3 VA) was readily available and again Kirill had much more material from both. The German unit initials are used, as are the Russian initials for their regiments as translated into English.
I regret that I cannot do a full work up on this subject but need to use my time for other activities
Michael Barrentine (Aka “Nokose” on 12 O’ Clock High)

P.S.: With a worldwide pandemic and a stay at home order having restricted my desire for travel, more time came available for this work. I still can not do a complete service to this subject but hopefully this will further the story. Kirill had sent me a lot of information that I had forgot that I still had stored, so it will be noted as before (Kirche) on its use in the text. Much new information I found available that did not show up before and updates to already listed text was made. I have read mistakes printed in different Soviet reports, such as names and on occasion contrasting information on different reports but many times with corrections in a later dated report. Individual Soviet pilot reports, I did not find but hopefully the information found will be helpful and interesting.
M.B.

The Soviet Offensive from 30 July 1942 through 30 September 1942 was over shadowed by the fighting for Stalingrad but was no less significant and bloody. The war in this sector extended further to the south then just the Rzhev and Zubtsov areas as ground fighting from this Soviet Offensive was just as much carried out there. The fighting at first only involved JG 51 on this front but became much hotter. The first reinforcement would be II./JG 54 with both Stab/JG 54 and then I./JG 54 being rushed in. The last Bf 109 unit sent was I./JG 52. The II./JG 51 would be withdrawal for change over to the Fw 190 fighter and transfer to the Western theater and would not see a return to the Eastern Front. As fighting in the area of Army Group North heated up the units of JG 54 would also be moved out of this sector. The pilots of I./JG 51 would be retraining to the Fw 190 for the time most of this fighting took place and thus their presence is not much a part of the story.

31 July 1942
From 13:00 – 14:15 (MT) 4 LaGG-3 from 5 GIAP conducted a patrol over Soviet lines. In the area of Vas’kovo – Kharino at an altitude of 200 m from the clouds 2 Bf 109 attacked a LaGG-3. Without causing any damage the Bf 109 went back into the clouds. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0071, l. 1 page 15 Journal of Combat Operations 3 VA and TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0050, l. 83 Operational Report of the Staff 209 IAD) No German claims were made in this encounter.

Oberfeldwebel Georg Seidel of 9./JG 51 claimed a Pe-2 (26) at 15:27 at 15 km to the southwest of Novo Dugino.

From 13:05 – 14:10 (MT) 4 LaGG-3 from 21 IAP led by Kapitan Pavel Emel’yanov conducted a fighter bomber mission in the area of Rzhev. They dropped 8 AO-25 bombs on their target and had one LaGG-3 damaged by ground fire. Afterwards, they encountered 2 Bf 109 and a dogfight ensued at an altitude of 150 – 200 m at 8 km northeast of Rzhev. Kapitan Eml’yanov claimed a Me-109 F (4) during the battle. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0071 l. 1 page 16 Journal of Combat Operations 3 VA and TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0050, l. 83 Operational Report of the Staff 209 IAD) From the German side no losses and victory claims were made.

From 16:00 – 17:00 (MT) 4 LaGG-3 from 193 IAP conducted a patrol in the area of Glebovo. At an altitude of 200 m a dogfight was conducted with 2 Bf 109. After the first attack, Serzhant Sudarenko claimed a He-113 which fell in the area of Burgovo. Shustrov’s LaGG-3 was damaged and made an emergency landing in the area of Glebovo. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0071, l. 1 page 16 Journal of Combat Operations 3 VA and TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0050, l. 83 Operational Report of the Staff 209 IAD) From the German side there were no losses and no claims.

During the day the Il-2s from the 212 and 264 ShAD had conducted a number of Shturmovik raids in the area of Rzhev but only the latter had contact with German fighters. At 14:08 – 14:10 (MT) 4 Il-2 from the 451 ShAP were attacked in the area of Kovynevo without results. Another attack was made at 18:20 (MT) on 3 Il-2 from 451 ShAP on a mission against the villages of Murav’evo – Shchukino. The survivor in this incident could not identify the type of German fighters making the attack. The results were tragic as the Il-2s flown by Serzhants Igor’ Berezin and Nikolay Panin were listed as missing. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 00059, l. 46 Operational Report of the Staff 264 ShAD)

From the German side, Bf 109s of Stab IV/JG 51 intercepted a Shturmovik raid in which Hauptmann Johann Knauth claimed an Il-2 (21) at 17:14 at 12 km west northwest of Rzhev. This was followed by Feldwebel Franz-Josef Beerenbrock claiming an Il-2 (93) at 17:15 at 16 km northwest of Rzhev.

In the area of Rzhev making bombing raids were 12 Pe-2 from the 128 BAP. From these strikes the 211 BBAD reported one Pe-2 as shot down in air combat. The Pe-2 from the 128 BAP of Starshiy Leytenant Yakov Kurennoy and crew were listed as missing after being attacked. The 128 BAP would report another Pe-2 flown by Mladshiy Leytenant Fedor Gerashchenko and crew as missing during a reconnaissance in the areas of Belachi, Sychevka , Olenino and Rzhev (no cause for their loss was determined). (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0052, l. 78 Operational Report of the Staff 211 BBAD)

From the German side, Oberfeldwebel Adolf Borchers of 10./JG 51 claimed a Pe-2 (28) at 17:35 at 10 km to the north northwest of Rzhev.

From 18:23 – 19:22 (MT) in the area of Mikhaylovskoye (2 km north of Rzhev) the Yak-1s of the 812 IAP attacked 2 Ju 88. Kapitan Ivan Solannikov claimed one Ju 88. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 4495, d. 8, l. 201 Operational Report 263 IAD)

From 19:10 – 20:19 (MT) 4 Il-2 from the 451 ShAP on a mission in the area of Opoki were attacked by a single Bf 109. The lone fighter left having achieved no results from the attack. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0059, l. 46 Operational Report of the Staff 264 ShAD)

From 19:25 – 20:30 (MT) 6 LaGG-3 from 21 IAP conducted a fighter bomber raid in the area of Rzhev and dropped 12 AO-25 bombs. Afterwards they intercepted a German bomber raid in the area of Sychevka at an altitude of 1000 m. Two of the LaGG-3 made three attacks on 3 He 111 from a distance of 50 m from the rear. Starshina Ivan Borodin claimed a He-111 (1) at 20:00 (MT) that fell burning in the area of the railway station at Sychevka. Kapitan Bocharov after two attacks from the rear claimed a He-111 at 20:05 in the area 4 km southwest of the railway station at Rzhev. Two LaGG-3 made a group attack at 20:10 (MT) on a lone He 111 from the rear at an altitude of 1200 m in the area of Martyukovo. An engine began to smoke and the He 111 went into the clouds. The Soviet pilots also claimed to have shot down 2 Me-109 in the battle. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0071, l. 1 page 16 Journal of Combat Operations 3 VA and TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0050, l. 83 Operational Report of the Staff 209 IAD) From the German side no losses were reported by JG 51 of Bf 109 and no claims were made by that unit. As for the German bombers there were two He 111 bombers lost in low-level ground support missions by I./KG 4 in this area.

A landing mishap occurred involving an unknown pilot of 9./JG 51 at Dugino which resulted in 20% damage to Bf 109 F-2 (# 5766).

1 August 1942
From 05:22 – 06:48 (MT) two Il-2 from 687 ShAP conducted a reconnaissance in the areas of Platonovo, Timofeyevo, Murav’evo, Afanas’evo, Osuga, Zubtsov and Aleksino. They reported being attack by 1 Bf 109 that left without results. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0070, l. 4 page 28 Journal of Combat Operations 3 VA)

From 11:44 – 12:47 (MT) 2 Il-2 from 671 ShAP at an altitude of 200 m attacked German forces along the Volga River at Petunovo. In the area of Klimovo (west of Zarubino) the Il-2s were attacked by 6 Bf 109. The Il-2 piloted by Nikiev was damaged and made an emergency landing at the airfield Natetkino/Krasnoye were it wrecked and the pilot was taken to the hospital. (TsAMO f. 11, o. 0004495, d. 0070, l. 4 page 29 Journal of Combat Operations 3 VA)

From the German side, this could possibly have been Hauptmann Richard Leppla of Stab III/JG 51who claimed an Il-2 (67) at 11:45 in the area to the northwest of Rzhev (north of the Volga River). In the same area and time as Leppla, another claim was made by Feldwebel Walter Bracke of 8./JG 51 for an Il-2 (1). Bracke’s victory was possibly a “joint” victory with Leppla as a break in victory.

At ? – 12:35 (MT) 2 Il-2 from the 671 ShAP led by Kapitan Petr Krupskiy made an assault on German forces in the area of Lepetikha – Red’kino along the Volga River. They were apparently attacked by Bf 109s but no mention is made of it in the report of the 212 ShAD. Kapitan Krupskiy managed to bring down his Il-2 for an emergency landing to the northwest of Zan’kovo (22 km north of Rzhev). The Il-2 was wrecked but Krupskiy was unharmed. As for Leytenant Mikhail Medvedev and his Il-2 his fate is unknown. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0054, l. 105 Operational Report of the Staff 212 ShAD)

From the German side the possible victor is with high probability Oberfeldwebel Heinz Klöpper of 11./JG 51who claimed an Il-2 (44) at 11:15 at 20 km southeast of Rzhev and another Il-2 (45) at 11:21at 20 km to the south of Rzhev.

From 14:13 – 15:13 (MT) 3 Il-2 from 451 ShAP attacked German forces in the area of Timofeyevo. They were attacked in the target area by 6 Bf 109. The Il-2 flown by Serzhant Krasnkov was listed as missing after being shot down by a Bf 109 in the area of Dobraya.

Another section of 3 Il-2 also from the 451 ShAP at the same time made a raid on Timofeyevo and were attacked by two Bf 109. In the area of Timofeyevo the Il-2 flown by Serzhant Vasiliy Vorozhtsov was listed as missing. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0059, l. 48 Operational Report of the Staff 264 ShAD and TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0070, l. 4 page 31-32 Journal of Combat Operations 3 VA)

This could possibly be the work of Leutnant Günther Schack of 7./JG 51 claiming an Il-2 (6) at 14:10 at 15 km to the northeast of Rzhev, as he is the only pilot making a claim at the time of either 451 ShAP loss.

At 14:44 -14:47 (MT) in the area of Petrukovo on the Volga River at an altitude of 200 m were 2 Il-2 from 671 ShAP making attacks on German positions. In the area of Klimovo, they reported being attacked by 6 Bf 109 that resulted to heavy damage to one of the Soviet aircraft. Serzhant Evgeniy Pikaev was able to make an emergency landing in the area of the airfield at Nalitkino but the Il-2 was wrecked with the pilot being taken with injuries to the hospital. (Operational Report of the Staff 212 ShAD TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0054, l. 105 , 01.08.1942)

From the German side, Leutnant Benno Gantz of 7./JG 51 claimed an Il-2 (8) at 13:42 to the northeast of Rzhev in the target area.

From 15:26 – ? (MT) 3 Il-2 from the 66 ShAP assaulted German forces in the area of Dobraya. In the area of Skvortsovo (northwest of Dobraya) a lone Bf 109 attacked the Il-2s but no losses occurred. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0070, l. 4 page 33 Journal of Combat Operations 3 VA)

From the German side there is no claim in this area to assist in determining who was involved.

2 August 1942
From the 264 ShAD at 09:10 (MT) took off 2 Il-2 from the 235 ShAP led by Kapitan Pavel Natalich for a reconnaissance in the area of Rzhev. They were attacked by two Bf 109 and only one Il-2 returned to base at 10:05. Kapitan Natalich would be reported missing in action. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0070, l. 4 page 34 Journal of Combat Operations 3 VA)

From the German side, Leutenant Ralph Furch of 5./JG 51 claimed an Il-2 (13) at 08:50 in the Rzhev area.

Gefrieter Kurt Tanner of 12./JG 51 claimed an Il-2 (1) at 09:00 at PlQu. 47581.

The 264 ShAD dispatched an assault raid from 10:30 – 11:35 (MT) of 4 Il-2 from 451 ShAP to the area of Rzhev. In the area of Dobraya they were attacked by 6 Bf 109. Two Il-2 from 451 ShAP were reported as missing. They were reported to have been attacked by 6 Bf 109.

During the same time period the 264 ShAD had dispatched 3 Il-2 from 235 ShAP to assault German forces in the area of Rzhev. The Il-2s flown by Serzhant Evgeniy Mikhalev and Starshiy Leytenant Del’ko were listed as missing but the 3rd Il-2 flown by Starshiy Leytenant Il’ya Guzanov came down in the area of Timofeevo were he became a prisoner of war. They were reported to have been attacked by 5 Bf 109 at 10:40 (MT). (Both 264 ShAD reports from the Journal of Combat Operations 3 VA TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 007, l. 4 page 35)

The losses to the 235 ShAP were possibly the result of Leutnant Ernst Weismann of 12./JG 51 claiming an Il-2 (51) at 09:50 at PlQu. 47584, Unteroffizier Bernhard Vechtel of 10./JG51 claimed an Il-2(1) at 09:50 at PlQu. 47682 and Hauptmanm Johann Knauth of Stab IV./JG 51claimed an Il-2 (24) at 10:00 at PlQu. 47722.

From 12:07 – 13:15 (MT) 5 Yak-1 from 812 IAP were covering Soviet forces in the area of Rzhev. During a dogfight Kapitan Ivan Solyannikov claimed a group victory over a Me-109 (1/2) at 3 km northeast of Rzhev. The 812 IAP reported no losses. The 812 IAP were not alone in this area, as the LaGG-3s of 813 IAP also reported claims of success in this area. At 12:15 (MT) Starshiy Leytenant Ionov claimed a Me-109 in the area of Timofeevo, which was observed to have fell 2 km north of Rzhev. (Opetational Report of the Staff 263 IAD TsAMO f. 311, o. 4495, d. 8, l. 232)

From 12:46 -13:36 (MT) the 211 BAD sent 3 Pe-2 from the 128 BAP on a bombing raid in the Rzhev area. At 13:10 (MT) they were attacked by 4 Bf 109 but suffered no losses. Another raid was carried out in the area of Timofeevo from 12:53-13:45 (MT) by 3 Pe-2 from 128 BAP. They were intercepted by 2 Bf 109 at 12:15 (MT) but again suffered no losses. Which unit of JG 51 made these interceptions is not known. (Journal of Combat Operations 128 BAP TsAMO f. 22302, o. 0216314, d. 0001, l. 4 page 189)

From 13:15 – 15:13 (MT) 4 Il-2 from 66 ShAP at an altitude of 600 m attacked German positions at Dobraya – Ivanovskoye. They were attacked by 4 Bf 109 resulting in losses. The Il-2 of Serzhant Sergey Men’shikov and Leytenant Starodumov both made forced landings on Soviet territory. (Operational Report of the Staff 212 ShAD TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0054, l. 109 page 3)

Leutnant Hans Boos of Stab/JG 51 claimed an Il-2 (25) at 13:42 at an altitude of 500 m at PlQu. 47562.

From 13:55 – 15:00 (MT) 11 LaGG-3 from 21 IAP performed escort for a Soviet Pe-2 bombing raid in the area of Rzhev station at an altitude of 1000 – 200 m. Two of the LaGG-3 (one flown by Soviet ace Ivan Borodin had to turn back, probably because of equipment problems) landing at their airfield at 14:35. No German aircraft were observed. (Journal of Combat Operations 21 IAP TsAMO f. 22020, o. 445247, d. 006, l. 1 page 39)

From 13:55 – 14:45 (MT) 4 Yak-1 from 1 GIAP led by Mayor Nikolay Antonov escorted 3 Il-2 from 212 ShAD to the area of Rzhev. They met 6 Bf 109 and claimed 1 Me-109 shot down. (Journal of Combat Operations of the Staff 3 GIAD TsAMO f. 20020, 0. 1, d. 11, l.1 page 8)

It is not possible to confirm the Soviet claim for a Bf 109 in JG 51 records.

The 212 ShAD dispatched a raid to attack German artillery positions at Dobraya. At 13:55 – 14:04 (MT) 3 Il-2 from 685 ShAP took off and conducted the assault. Soviet reports indicated they were attacked by 13 Bf 109. The Il-2 of Nikolay Pavlenko and the Il-2 of Leytenant Aleksandr Markov were shot down and listed missing. The remaining Il-2 returned damage to its airfield. (Operational Report of the Staff 212 ShAD TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0054, l. 109 page 1)

On examining the claims of JG 51 it is possible this was the actions of II./JG 51. Unteroffizier Kurt Knappe of 5./JG 51 claimed an Il-2 (31) 13:05 at an altitude of 600 m at PlQu. 47563, Oberleutnant Karl-Heinz Schnell of 5./JG 51 claimed an Il-2 (52) at 13:15 at an altitude of 300 m at PlQu. 47554, Leutnant Ralp Furch of 5./JG 51 claimed an Il-2 (14) at 13:17 at PlQu. 47533, Oberleutnant Karl-Heinz Schnell claimed another Il-2 (53) at 13:20 at PlQu. 47552 and again an Il-2 (54) at 13:25 at PlQu. 47542.

From 14:04 – 14:52 (MT) Mayor Timofey Kobylochniy led 6 Yak-1 from 521 IAP escorting 4 Il-2 of 212 ShAD to assault German forces in the area of Rzhev. They engaged in this area with 6 Bf 109. The Soviet fighters claimed 2 Me-109 shot down. The Yak-1 of Serzhant Neshedin made an emergency landing with the pilot unharmed. (Journal of Combat Operations of Staff 3 GIAD TsAMO f. 20020, o. 1, d. 11, l. 1 page 9)

No German claims for fighters were made and it is not possible to determine the confirmation of the Soviet claims in this encounter.

From 14:05 – 15:10 (MT) 6 Yak-1 from 1 GIAP led by Starshiy Leytenant Sergey Zhuykov escorted 5 Il-2 of the 212 ShAD for an assault in the area of Rzhev. The Soviet fighters observed 2 Ju 88 and peeled off claiming both as being shot down. (Journal of Combat Operations of the Staff 3 GIAD TsAMO f. 20020, o. 1, d. 11, l. 1 page 8)

From 13:50 – 15:50 (MT) the 205 BAP had three sections of Pe-2 bombers raid in the area of Dobraya at altitudes of 1000 – 1300 m and reported attacks by 3-5 Bf 109. From the mission was 1 Pe-2 listed as missing in the Journal of the Combat Operations 3 VA that was not listed by 285 BAD. (Operational Report of the Staff 285 BAD 02.08.1942) (Journal of Combat Operations 3 VA TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0070, l. 4 page 45)

From the claims of Stab/JG 51 there appears to have been an interception of Soviet bombers. Major Karl-Gottfried Nordmann claimed a Pe-2 (75) at 13:20 at an altitude of 1500 m at Yeltsy. This was followed by Leutnant Hans Boos claiming a Pe-2 (24) at 13:25 an altitude of 600 m at PlQu. 47582.

From 14:10 – 15:35 (MT) 5 Yak-1 from 1 GIAP covered Soviet forces and observed 4 Ju 88 but made no claims and reported no losses. (Journal of Combat Operations of the Staff 3 GIAD TsAMO f. 20020, o. 1, d. 11, l. 1 page 8)

From 14:32 – 16:25 (MT) the 285 BAD sent 4 sections (3 Pe-2 each) of the 134 BBAP to bomb German artillery and positions at Galakhovo and Dobraya on the north outskirts of Rzhev. With staggered altitudes of 1050 – 2500 m they approached their target. The Pe-2 section of Mayor Pavel Kurzin was attacked by 2 Bf 109, Kapitan Nikolay Tomashevskiy’s section of Pe-2 were attacked by 4 Bf 109 and another section of Pe-2 were attacked by 3 Bf 109. From the sections was shot down the Pe-2 of Starshiy Serzhant Andrey Kolomiets with his crew listed as missing. The Pe-2 of Starshiy Serzhant Grigory Chakin with his crew were shot down at 3 km to the northwest of Rzhev and were listed as missing. (Operational Report of the Staff 285 BAD TsAMO f. 311, o. 4495, d. 8, l. 247 02.08.1942)

From the German side the intercepting fighters appear to be from IV./JG 51. Leutnant Ernst Weismann of 12./JG 51 claimed a Pe-2 (52) at 14:54 at an altitude of 1000 m and Leutnant Wolfgang Böwing-Treuding of Stab IV./JG 51 claimed a Pe-2 (21) at 14:58 at an altitude of 800 m in the area of Dobraya.

From 15:20 – 16:35 (MT) 4 Yak-1 from 1 GIAP covered Soviet forces in the area of Rzhev but reported no German aviation contacts. (Journal of Combat Operations of the Staff 3 GIAD TsAMO f. 20020, o. 1, d. 11, l. 1 page 8)

A raid was made by 9 Pe-2 from the 527 BBAP in the area of Rzhev at an altitude of 1500 m that ended at 16:30 (MT). The group was intercepted by a group of Bf 109s in which Mladishiy Leytenant Rychagov claimed a Me-109, which fell at Kostritsy (18 km south of Oleyino).The group claimed two Me-109 with the 1st falling in the forest 1 km west of Rzhev and the 2nd fell at Dobraya. The Soviet bombers did not escape without losses. The Pe-2 of Kapitan Pavel Smirnov and the Pe-2 of Mladishiy Leytenant Georgiy Beleniken were both listed as missing. The Pe-2 of Mladishiy Leytenant Kalcheev made an emergency landing 30 km southwest of Torzhok (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0052, l. 80 Operation Report of the Staff 211 BBAD).It is not possible to determine if the Soviet claims for the 3 Me-109s actually occurred but IV/JG 51 suffered no losses from air combat.

The II./JG 51 had claims but information on the Soviet units is unknown. Unteroffizier Dietoff Willers of 5./JG 51 claimed an Il-2 (2) at 15:10 at an altitude of 500 m at PlQu. 47553. Hauptmann Hartmann Grasser of Stab II./JG 51 claimed an Il-2 (65) at 15:12 at tree top level at PlQu. 47582. Also Oberleutnant Karl-Heinz Schnell of 5./JG 51 at 15:12 (another source l5:10) at an altitude of 500 m at PlQu. 47553. Oberleutnant Schnell was denied a another Il-2 at 15:14 for lack of a witness. Leutnant Horst Walther of 4./JG 51 claimed a LaGG-3 (19) at 15:15 at an altitude of 2500 m at PlQu. 47571

From 16:30 – 17:30 (MT) a Pe-2 bombing mission into the area of Rzhev was escorted by 6 LaGG-3 from 21 IAP. The Soviet fighters observed and attacked 6 Ju 88 and their escorting 12 Bf 109 at an altitude of 1500 m. Kapitan Pavel Yemel’yanov claimed a Ju 88 (7) but was attacked by 2 Bf 109. He got behind and claimed a Me-109 (8) at a distance of 25 meters. Afterwards he encountered 3 Ju 88 and 2 Bf 109 in which he damaged a Ju-88. Starshina Nikolay Minaev attacked a Bf 109 before engaging 3 Ju 88. He was then forced off by an attacking Bf 109. The 21 IAP reported the LaGG-3 piloted by Rut’ as missing. (Journal of Combat Operations 21 IAP TsAMO f. 22020, o. 445247, d. 0006, l. 1 page 39)

No claims were made for the 21 IAP LaGG-3 that was reported in this encounter.

From 17:05 – 18:10 (MT) 8 LaGG-3 from 5 GIAP (209 IAD) escorted Pe-2 bombers at an altitude of 1000 -1500 meters. They were intercepted by a reported 16 Bf 109. The dogfight that ensued produced multiple claims by the 5 GIAP all of who became Heroes of the Soviet Union during the war. Mayor Vasiliy Efremov claimed a Me-109 (4) west of Timofeyevo and another Me-109 (5) at the Rzhev airfield. Kapitan Ivan Laveykin claimed a Me-109 in which the pilot parachuted at Polunino. Mayor Aleksandr Kondratyuk claimed a Me-109 (3) on the northern outskirts of Rzhev (he claimed 7 victories but was credited with only 4 during the war). Serzhant Vitaliy Popkov claimed a Me-109 (2) at Rameno. Mayor Vasiliy Zaytsev claimed at Ramino Me-109 (7 and 8) and then Me-109 (9) to the southeast of Deshevka. Finally, Mladshiy Leytenant Igor’ Shardakov claimed a Me-109F at Polunino. This was not without losses as two LaGG-3 were shot down in which Mayor Boris Zhekov and Leytenant Volkov parachuted from their fighters. (Journal of Combat Operations 3 VA TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0071, l. 1)

On looking at German claims only one pilot of III./JG 51 appears. Oberfeldwebel Georg Seidel of 9./JG 51 claimed a MiG-3 (27) at 16:39 and another MiG-3 (28) at 16:40 both at an altitude of 1800 m at PlQu. 47552. There were losses to III./JG 51 in air battles but no times to place them to this battle (JG 51 losses will be added at the end of the day.)

From 18:15 – 19:30 (MT) 8 Il-2 from 66 ShAP made an attack at an altitude of 1000 – 300 m on the German crossing on the Volga River at Lepetikha and Abramovo. On approach to the target at an altitude of 400 m, they were attacked by 4 Bf 109. All the Shturmoviks left from the battle with bullet hole and one suffered damage to the propeller. (Operational Report of the Staff 212 ShAD TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0054, l. 109 page 3)

Leutnant Wolfgang Böwing-Treuding of Stab IV./JG 51 claimed a Pe-2 (22) at 17:35 at an altitude of 1800 m at PlQu. 47564.

From 18:25 – 19:27 (MT) the 212 ShAD sent 6 Il-2 from 687 ShAP against the German crossing of the Volga River at Petunovo and German forces in the forest at Semashko. They made their attack at and altitude of 800 – 400 meters. They reported an attack by 5 Bf 109. The Il-2 flown by Kapitan Shtykov made a forced landing on the fuselage and was later sent for repairs. (Operational Report of the Staff 212 ShAD TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0054, l. 109 page 3)

From the German side there appears two claims by JG 51. Leutnant Günther Rübell of Stab II./JG 51 claimed an Il-2 (35) at 17:55 close to the ground at PlQu. 47552. Oberleutnant Georg Seelmann of 11./JG 51 claimed an Il-2 (39) at 17:50 at an altitude 100 m at PlQu. 47582.

From 18:50 – 19:50 (MT) 4 LaGG-3 from 21 IAP were covering Soviet forces in the area to the north of Rzhev at an altitude of 2000 m, which intercepted 9 Ju 88. Ivan Borodin attacked and claimed a Ju-88 (2), which fell to the east of Rzhev. Borodin then claimed a Hs-126 (3) at 3-4 km to the northeast of Rzhev. The LaGG-3 pilot Podofenov at an altitude of 2000 m claimed a He-111. One LaGG-3 was damaged in which the aircraft was wrecked but the pilot was unharmed. (Journal of Combat Operations 21 IAP TsAMO f. 22020, o. 445247, d. 0006, l. 1 page 40)

From 18:50 – 20:00 (MT) 4 Yak-1 from 1 GIAP escorted 6 Il-2 from 212 ShAD and observed 4 Ju 88 but made no claims. (Journal of Combat Operations of the Staff 3 GIAD TsAMO f. 20020, o. 1, d. 11, l page 8)

From 18:55 – 20:00 (MT) 5 Yak-1 from 1 GIAP escorted 9 Il-2 of the 212 ShAD for an assault in the area of Rzhev but did not encounter opposition. (Journal of Combat Operations of the Staff 3 GIAD TsAMO f. 20020, o. 1, d. 11, l. 1 page 8)

The 285 BAD sent parts of two regiments against targets in the area of Rzhev. At 19:05 (MT) a section of the 205 BAP bombed targets at Melikhovo at an altitude of 2550 – 3100 m. At 19:10 (MT) to the southeast of Dobraya the 134 BBAP again bombed German forces. Both Pe-2 formations received German antiaircraft fire as they bombed. They also were intercepted by Bf 109 fighters with the Pe-2 of Mladshiy Leytenant Nikolay Anisimov and Pe-2 of Starshina Vladimir Lipovka with the crews of 205 BAP listed as missing, after reporting being attacked by 4-5 Bf 109 (also 2 Pe-2 to antiaircraft fire). The 134 BBAP reported being attacked by up to 7 Bf 109. The 134 BBAP reported that 2 Pe-2 were brought down by German fighters. (Operational Report of the Staff 285 BAD 02.081942)

From the German side the II./JG 51 made the interception. Hauptmann Hartmann Grasser of Stab II/JG 51 claimed a Pe-2 (66) at 18:05 at an altitude of 2500 m at PlQu. 47572. Leutnant Ralph Furch of 5./JG 51 claimed a LaGG-3 (15) at 18:12 at an altitude of 1000 m at PlQu. 47561.

From 18:29 – 20:00 (MT) the Pe-2 bombers from 130 BBAP at an altitude of 2000 m bombed German forces at 19:17 (MT) at Rzhev. They observed 2 Bf 109 in which 1 Bf 109 attacked the rear of the Pe-2 flown by Mladshiy Leytenant Andrey Netchuk that went down but the crew returned on the 4th. (Journal of Combat Operations 130 BBAP TsAMO f. 22288, o. 022334s, d. 0001, l. 2 page 69)

From the German side this appears to be from II./JG 51 but the victor can’t be determined. Oberfeldwebel Wilhelm Mink of 5./JG 51 claimed a Pe-2 (51) at 18:15 at an altitude of 1300 m in the area of Dobraya. Unteroffizier Kurt Knappe of 5./JG 51 claimed a Pe-2 (32) at 18:17 at an altitude of 1000 m in the area of Dobraya .

Oblt. Harald Jung of 4./JG 51 claimed a LaGG-3 (20) at 18:30 at an altitude of 1800 m at PlQu. 47533.

In the area of Dugino a Shturmovik raid was intercepted. Oblt. Karl-Heinz Schell of 5./JG 51 claimed an Il-2 (56) at 18:37 at an altitude of 500 m at PlQu. 47581.

From 18:58 – 20:05 (MT) 5 Yak-1 from 812 IAP made two group victories in which the five pilots each shared 1/5 of the claims. The pilots were Kapitan Il’ya Yuzhakov, Leytenant Anatoliy Prikhod’ko, Mladshiy Leytenant Viktor Chikanikhin, Serzhants Boris Kvitko and Valentin Koledov. There were losses listed for two Yak-1 of 812 IAP as being missing with Serzhant Mishaev and Starshiy Serzhant Kostrykin but the times and location were not specified. They possibly returned to their regiment later as they were not listed in the permanent loss registry. (Operational Report of the Staff 263 IAD TsAMO f. 311, o. 4495, d. 8, l. 232)

From 20:46 – 21:35 (MT) to cover Soviet forces in the area of Rzhev was dispatched 6 Yak-1 from 163 IAP. They reported no encounters with German aviation. (Journal of Combat Operations of the Staff 3 GIAD TsAMO f. 20020, o. 1, d. 11, l. 1 page 9)

German combat losses:
Oberfeldwebel Rudolf Nielinger 4./JG 51 (Missing) Bf 109 F-2 # 8992 Air battle with RZ, belly landing, 1 km northwest Bhf. Oaauga, 50% damage.
Unknown 4./JG 51 Bf 109 F-2 # 5728 Air battle, belly landing, Dugino, 30% damage
Hauptmann Richard Leppla Stab III/JG 51 (WIA) Bf 109 F-2 # 8144 Air battle, forced landing, 10 km west of Tschertolino, 50% damage.
Unteroffizier Günther Schack 7./JG 51 Bf 109 F-2 # 6739 Air battle with Il-2 and LaGG-3, near Rzhev (PlQu. 47591), 30% damage.
Leutnant Heinz Kattlun 7./JG 51 Bf 109 F-2 # 12813 Air battle, area of Sychevka, 80% damage
Unteroffizier Fritz Bär 9./JG 51 Bf 109 F-2 # 5782 Flak, forced landing, 6 km south of Rzhev, 40% damage
Leutnant Horst Haase 10./JG 51 Bf 109 F-2 # 6702 Emergency landing after shelling, Orel, 100% damage
Unknown 11./JG 51 Bf 109 F-2 # 5475 Enemy fire, Dugino, 20% damage
Unknown 12./JG 51 Bf 109 F-2 # 12699 Explosion, Rzhev, 100% damage
Unknown 15. (Spanish)/JG 51 Bf 109 F-2 # 6712 Air battle, Rzhev, 100% damage

3 August 1942
From 04:20 – 05:35 (MT) 5 LaGG-3 from 5 GIAP led by Guards Starshiy Leytenant Ibragim Bikmubametov conducted a cover mission of Soviet forces with out incident. (Kirche)

From 05:20 – 06:40 (MT) 9 Pe-2 from 527 BAP bombed German forces in the area of Rezhev. The Soviet aviators reported being attacked by 6 Bf 109. The Soviet bombers made their withdrawal without suffering losses. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0070, l. 4 Journal of Combat Operations 3 VA)

From 05:10 – 06:20 (MT) 6 LaGG-3 from 5 GIAP led by Kapitan Ivan Laveykin engaged in a dogfight with 4 Bf 109 in the area of Bahmatovo – Mishino at an altitude of 2000 – 2500 m. During the fight the Soviet pilots claimed a Me-109 shot down in an attack from the side-rear and above at a distance of 100-150 m – it was reported to have fell 2-3 km to the north of Gubino. A second Me-109 was attacked head on from a distance of 200 m and damaged – with a sharp decline and smoking it went towards Rzhev. A third Me-109 attacked from above and from the side at a distance of 50 – 100 m was damaged – with a decrease in height it went towards Rzhev. One LaGG-3 was damaged during the fight – it forced landed in the area of Kurovo (Possibly, in the areas of Anufriev [?] or Pavlovo [?]) (Kirche)

From 05:46 – 07:07 (MT) 9 Pe-2 from 134 BAP bombed at an altitude of 2000 m the concentration of German forces and artillery in the village of Dobraya and the forest, that is 400 m to the southeast of Dobraya. In the target area, they were attacked according to Soviet aviators by 7 Bf 109. The Pe-2 flown by Starshiy Politruk Bykov caught fire, after being damaged by fire of a Bf 109. The Pe-2 came down on its fuselage in the area of Staritsa. (Operational Report of the Staff 285 BAD TsAMO f. 311, o. 4495, d. 8, l. 251 03.08.1942)

From the German side, Oberfeldwebel Georg Seidel of 9./JG 51 claimed a Pe-2 (29) at 06:00. The Soviet fighter escort was engaged in battle during this time.

Flying as fighter escort were 4 LaGG-3 from 21 IAP having taken off at 06:20 (MT) to join up with their charges. During the mission they were involved in dogfighting with Bf 109 but suffered no losses and made no claims. They finished their mission at 07:20 (MT). (TsAMO f. 22020, o. 0445247, d. 0006, l. 1 Journal of Combat Operations 21 IAP)

From 06:30 – 07:35 (MT) 5 LaGG-3 from 5 GIAP led by Guards Starshiy Leytenant Piotr Greshnev went to intercept German aircraft in the area of Deshevka at an altitude of 1000 m, the Soviet pilots observed 2 Ju 87 and 1 Ju 88. The German aircraft turned and began decreasing altitude heading towards Rzhev. (Kirche)

At 07:52 (MT) took off 6 Yak-1 from the 812 IAP led by Kapitan Andrey Efremov to cover Soviet forces at an altitude of 2000 m in the area of Novoye Semenovskoye. The Soviet pilots reported they were attacked by a group of 12 Bf 109 F and these were joined by a second group of 8 Bf 109 from the side of Rzhev. The battle lasted for 10 minutes and 4 attacks. At the end of the battle, there were no Soviet losses. The Soviet fighter pilots did have victory claims to report. Kapitan Andrey Efremov claimed two Me-109 (1) and another Me-109 (2). Other claims were made, Serzhant Viktor Baranov claimed a Me-109 and so did Serzhant Nikolay Matveet also claimed a Me-109 in the same area. The Soviet pilots claimed a surprising 4 Me-109 against overwhelming odds for suffering no losses. The mission ended at 08:50 (MT) on the of the Soviet pilots landing. From the German side, no losses were recorded in this area and the JG 51 fighters involved can’t be determined. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 4495, d. 8, l. 234 Operational Report of the Staff 263 IAD)

At 09:00 (MT) took off 3 Pe-2 from the 128 BAP to bomb German forces at 1-2 km northeast of Rzhev. At 09:30 (MT) the Soviet bombers were attacked by 2 Bf 109. The Soviet bombers landed at 10:43 (MT) without suffering a loss. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0070, l. 4 Journal of Combat Operations 3 VA)

At 09:43 (MT) took off 5 Yak-1 from 812 IAP led by Kapitan Efremov. In the area of Polunino they encountered 15 Bf 109 in a dogfight. The Soviet pilots again made victory claims for this battle. Kapitan Andrey Efremov claimed a Me-109 (3) and Starshiy Leytenant Limarenko also claimed a Me-109. Making a group kill were Starshiy Leytenant Viktor Veremeenko and Kapitan Ivan Solyannikov for a Me-109. The 812 IAP did loss one Yak-1 but apparently the pilot survived. The mission ended at 10:45 (MT) for the Soviet pilots. (TsAMO f. 23041, o. 0209058s, d. 0003 l. 2 Journal of Combat Operations 812 IAP)

From 10:30 – 11:30 (MT) 6 Yak- from 163 IAP led by Mayor Timofey Kobyilochniy, which carried bombs – escorted Il-2’s. The Soviets bombed the German warehouses in the area of Monchalovo. In the area of Pochigaevo they encountered 2 Bf 109. Mayor Kobyilochniy attacked the wingman of the Bf 109 pair. With the first burst it lit up – the Me-109 then caught fire. The German pilot was observed to have bailed out in that area. (Kirche)

From 11:32 – 11:37 (MT) 4 Pe-2 from 205 BAP bombed German forces and artillery at the village of Svin’ino. In the area of Boguslovo, they were attacked by according to Soviet aviators by up to 4 – 5 Bf 109. From the German side, Hauptmann Joachim Müncheberg of Stab/JG 51claimed a Pe-2 (84) at 10:32 to the north northeast of Rzhev and another Pe-2 (85) at 10:36 to the north northwest of Rzhev. The Soviets reported the loss of two Pe-2 with the crews of Mladshiy Leytenant Ivan Svidovskiy in the area of Batyuki and Mladshiy Leytenant Aleksey Skobtsov in the area of Voronicheno being listed as missing. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 4495, d. 8, l. 251 Operational Report of the Staff 285 BAD).

At 11:34 (MT) 2 sections (3 Pe-2 each) of the 205 BBAP at an altitude of 2000 m bombed a German motor vehicle column on the road Zaprudnovo – Boguslevo – Aleksino. The Soviet bombers suffered no losses and made no mention of attacks by Bf 109. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 4495, d. 8, l. 251 Operational Report of the Staff 285 BAD)

With no time listed for the mission 7 Pe-2 from 793 BAP bombed Vasyukovo. There was an attack on 4 Pe-2 by 2 Bf 109 but no losses were suffered. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0070, l. 4 Journal of Combat Operations 3 VA)

During this time period Leutnant Johann-Gottlieb Engel of 9./JG 51 was confirmed a Pe-2 (1) at 10:36 as a posthumous victory. This would be his last as he was shot down in an air battle and attempted to make a forced landing but overturned in Bf 109 F-2 (# 8229) to the north of Zubtsov, resulting in 100% damage and his death. Engel would be awarded the German Iron Cross 2nd class for this day.

The victor in the case of Engel is not possible to definitively confirm. As of the Pe-2 reported as confirmed to Engel at this time the Soviet 3 VA had only one Pe-2 flying. From 10:10-13:25 (MT) the Pe-2 from 527 BAP (pilot Frolov) performed a reconnaissance in the areas of Belyi – Dukhovshchina – Sychevka – Staritsa. The Soviet aviators reported no sightings of German fighters. Also the no reported losses were reported by 10 ORAP and 2 DRAP. (Kirche)

From 11:45 – 12:45 (MT) 5 LaGG-3 from 5 GIAP led by Guards Starshiy Leytenant Piotr Grechnev took off to perform a fighter-bomber mission. At 12:00 (MT) four of the LaGG-3 bombed Startsevo from an altitude of 2000 – 1200 m in a dive releasing 8 AO-25. At 12:30 (MT) a dogfight ensued at an altitude of 2000 m between 5 LaGG-3 and 4 Bf 109 – both sides fought a turning battle. Guards Starshiy Leytenant Grechnev claimed the downing of a Me-109 from the rear side from a distance of 50 – 100 m, it reportedly fell near Timofeyevo. The LaGG-3 flown by Serzhant Ivan Lavrenko was damaged during the fight and lost control. He was forced to escape by parachute in the area 3 km to the east of Zalkovo. His escape was observed by the remaining Soviet pilots, who stated he rammed a Me-109 and was also confirmed by Soviet ground forces. The German fighters left the battle climbing in the direction of Rzhev. Lavrenko would return to his regiment on the 4th claiming to have rammed a Me-109 F. (Kirche)

On examination of the book “Soviet Aces 1941 – 1945 Victories of Stalin’s Falcons” by Mikhail Bykov, Lavrenko’s first confirmed victory would not be acknowledged until the 13 August 1942 for a Ju 88.

12:50 – 13:50 (MT) 4 LaGG-3 fro 21 IAP led by Kapitan Pavel Eml’yanov escorted 5 Pe-2 from 527 BAP (led by AE Komissar Gorb) at an altitude of 2000 m. Kapitan Eml’yanov and his wingman Serzhant Nikolay Kiselev were attacked by a pair of Bf 109 in the area of Rzhev. Serzhant Kiselev’s LaGG-3 went down with the pilot. A dogfight ensued with 6 Bf 109 as the 5 Pe-2 were continued to be covered by the lone LaGG-3 of pilot Semenov. Kapitan Eml’yanov claimed a Me-109 (9) in the area of Manuylovo. Also claiming was Ivan Borodin a Me-109 (4) at Timofeevo. From the German side. Leutnant Benno Gantz of 7./JG 51 claimed a MiG-3 (13) at 12:02. There were no German losses in these areas that can be found in German records. (Kirche and TsAMO f. 22020, o. 0445247, d. 0006, l. 1 page 42 Journal of Combat Operations 21 IAP)

From 12:52 – 13:55 (MT) 6 Il-2 from 685 ShAP conducted a raid in the area of the Volga River at Red’kino. They were attacked by a lone Bf 109, which was driven off by the Yak-1 escorts. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0079, l. 4 Journal of Combat Operations 3 VA)

From 12:55 – 13:55 (MT) 5 Il-2 from 66 ShAP made a Shturmovik raid in the area of the Volga River. The Il-2 piloted by Leytenant Semenov was damaged by German flak in the area of Lazarevo but Shturmoviks were attacked afterwards by 2 Bf 109. Leytenant Semov’s Il-2 fell in the area of Kovyrevo(?) and cause was listed as antiaircraft fire by the Soviets. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0070, l. 4 Journal of Combat Operations 3 VA) During this time period Oberleutnant Karl-Heinz Schnell of 5./JG 51 claimed an Il-2 (57) at 12:35.

From 13:18 – 14:10 (MT) 3 LaGG-3 from 5 GIAP covering Soviet forces in the area of Mishino – Zybino fought several Bf 109 – the German attacked in pairs, and sought to pull the LaGG-3 from their assigned task, but the Soviet fighters did not pursue. In the area of Borisovo – Zybino at an altitude of 200 m, they fought with 7 Ju 88 and 4 escorting Bf 109 – as a result of the fight 1 Me-109 F was claimed damaged. The Soviet pilots observed as with a decrease in height and smoking it went towards Rzhev. A LaGG-3 was damaged – it made a landing at the airfield at Dary. (Kirche)

At 13:20 (MT) in the area of Vorino at an altitude of 2000 m a dogfight ensued between 3 Yak-1 from 812 IAP and 2 Bf 109. The fight lasted for 5 minutes and the German fighters departed into the clouds with no losses to either side. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 4495, d. 8, l. 234 Operational Report of the Staff 263 IAD)

From 14:25 – 15:30 (MT) 4 LaGG-3 from 5 GIAP from an altitude of 1800 – 1500 m made a planned fighter-bomber mission on a German column in the area of Zhukovo. The Soviet fighters dropped 8 AO-25 bombs and reported destroying: 1-2 motor vehicles and 2-3 carts. (Kirche)

From 15:00 – 16:00 (MT) 4 LaGG-3 from 5 GIAP dive bombed German forces in the area of Pleshevo. No results were observed for the 8 AO-25 dropped. (Kirche)

At 15:40 (MT) 8 Pe-2 from 134 BAP at an altitude of 2500 m bombed concentrations of German forces and artillery in the area of Dacha, that is 500 m to the south of Dobaya. They suffered no losses. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 4495, d. 8, l. 251 Operational Report of the Staff 285 BAD)

From 15:57 – 16:55 (MT) 3 Yak-1 from 812 IAP comprised of Kapitan Efremov, Kapitan Solyannikov and Starshiy Leytenant Beremenko flew a cover patrol with no contact. (TsAMO f. 23041, o. 0209058s, d. 0003, l. 2 Journal of Combat Operations 812 IAP)

At 18:00 (MT) 4 Pe-2 from the 205 BBAP at an altitude of 1200 m bombed a concentration of German forces and artillery at the village of Svin’ino. They reported no losses. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 4495, d. 8, l. 251 Operational Report of the Staff 285 BAD)

In the time period around 18:00 (MT) Hurricanes of the 814 IAP were covering a Shturmovik raid of the Il-2s of the 264 ShAD. The Hurricanes engaged 2 Bf 109 in a dogfight, Mladshiy Leytenant Denisov claimed a Me-109 and Mladshiy Leytenant Dmitriy Gotal’skiy also claimed a Me-109. The area of the dogfight could not be determined from the report of the 263 IAD. The 264 ShAD did perform raids in the areas of Ozeretskaya, Vasyukovo and B. Guzynino but suffered no losses and gave no times. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 4495, d. 8, l. 234 Operational Report of the Staff 263 IAD and TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0059, l. 51 Operational Report of the Staff 264 ShAD) No losses can be determined from the German side to confirm the claims.

At 18:35 (MT) 9 Pe-2 from 134 BAP at an altitude of 1800 m bombed a concentration of German forces and artillery at the villages of Svin’ino and Bel’kovi. They reported being attacked by 4 Bf 109 but reported no losses to them. They did report 1 Pe-2 as damaged by German antiaircraft fire. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 4495, d. 8, l. 251 Operational Report of the Staff 285 BAD)

From 17:35 – 18:45 (MT) 9 LaGG-3 from 5 GIAP bombed German forces in the area of Svinino (6 AO-25 were reported to have exploded in the German trench lines). (Kirche)

From 17:50 – 18:00 (MT) two formations of 9 Pe-2 from 803 BBAP at an altitude of 1750 – 1800 m bombed the groove 1 km to the southeast of Svin’ino. They were fired on by German antiaircraft guns at the target. At 17:55 (MT) they were also attacked by 2 Bf 109 but reported no losses during the mission. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 4495, d. 8, l. 251 Operational Report of the Staff 285 BAD)

From 17:50 -19:15 (MT) 5 Yak-1 from 812 IAP covered in the area of Novoye Semenovskaya. At 10 km to the north of Rzhev at an altitude of 2000 – 2500 m they engaged in a dogfight with 6 Bf 109. Kapitan Il’ya Yuzhakov claimed a Me-109 (1) in the area of Novoye Semenovskaya as a result. (TsAMO f. 23041, o. 0209058s, d. 0003, l. 2 page 9 Journal of Combat Operations 812 IAP)

From 18:55 – 20:15 (MT) the Yak-1s of the 812 IAP engaged in a dogfight with Bf 109s in the area of Novoye Semenovskaya. During this fight Serzhant N. G. Matveev claimed a Me-109 (2) and Kapitan Ivan Solyannikov claimed a Me-109 (2) at Polunino. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 4495, d. 8, l. 234 Operational Report of the Staff 263 IAD) There were no German losses recored in that area that matched these claims.

From 20:10 – 21:10 (MT) 5 LaGG-3 from 5 GIAP made a dive bombing attack in the area of Startsevo. The Soviet fighters released 10 AO-25, observing explosions among the German trenches. (Kirche)

In the late evening hours a Soviet friendly fire mishap took place. From 20:10 – 21:10 (MT) 6 Hurricanes from 157 IAP led by Leytenant Ivan Ovcharenko were escorting a Shturmovik raid and at an altitude of 1500 m in the area of Chentsovo at 20:35 (MT) the mishap occurred. The confusion started with 5 LaGG-3 from 5 GIAP confusing, as they misidentified a reported 8 Hurricanes as German fighters that they attacked from behind. The Hurricane pilots turned on their antagonist and after opening fire it wasn’t possible to identify them as LaGG-3, until Leytenant Ovcharenko had gotten close enough. The LaGG-3 from 5 GIAP flown by Mladshiy Leytenant Aleksey Luk’yanov left towards Soviet territory but was listed as missing afterwards. (Kirche)

5 August 1942
At the airfield at Dugino arrives Hauptmann Dietrich Jung’s II./JG 54 to begin operations.

6 August 1942
The Soviet 1 VA had the 204 BAD launch a bomber raid against a German column in the area of Gzhatsk. The group of Pe-2s from the 38 BAP were intercepted by a group of Bf 109s but suffered only one loss. Leutnant Hans Beisswenger of 6./JG 54 claimed a Pe-2 (67) at 15:26 in the area to the east southeast of Gzhatsk. The Pe-2 from the 38 BAP flown by Serzhant Anatoliy Smirnov perished along with his radio operator but the wounded navigator was rushed to a hospital for treatment. (TsAMO f. 290, o. 0003284, d. 0069, l. 247 Operational Report of the Staff 1 VA)

From 16:05 – 17:30 (MT) 6 Il-2 from 671 ShAP attacked a German railway train on the Osuga -Rzhev rail line at an altitude of 600 – 100 m. The Shturmoviks were making a 2nd approach against the train to the south of Osuga station under German antiaircraft fire. From the direction of Petrakovo, they were attacked by 12 Bf 109. The Soviet fighter escort went into the clouds. The Il-2 flown by Mladshiy Leytenant Nikolay Kozlov was attacked by a single Bf 109 from the above rear at a distance of 200 m in the area of Osuga and disappeared. Next fell the Il-2 (# 3810608) of Regiment Navigator Starshiy Leytenant Aleksey Borisoglebskiy and the Il-2 flown by Leytenant Dubovik. Both were listed missing but Starshiy Leytenant Borisoglebskiy would return to the regiment from a hospital, after having been wounded. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0054, l. 123 Operational Report of the Staff 212 ShAD)

From the German side, Unteroffizier Albin Wolf of 6./JG 54 claimed an Il-2 (1) at 15:50 to the northwest of Kovshevo. This was followed by Hauptmann Carl Sattig of 6./JG 54 claiming an Il-2 (49) at 15:50 to the north of Bychkovo (south of Kovshevo) and another Il-2 (50) at 15:55 east of Nosovye. (Kirche: Correct Russian locations)

From 16:05 -17:30 (MT) the 210 IAD had assigned 5 Yak-1 from 163 IAP led by Kapitan Viktor Volkov to escort the 671 ShAP on the above mission in the area of Rzhev – Sychevka. They encountered German antiaircraft fire in the areas of Osuga station and the village of Nikonovo. Kapitan Volkov claimed a Me-109 (4) at 16:45 (MT) at an altitude of 600 m at Boradino, that was observed to crash into the ground. (Journal of Combat Operations 3 VA page 79 TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0071, l. 1)

From 20:05 – 21:05 (MT) Mayor Timofey Koylochny led 3 Yak-1 from the 521 IAP to the area of Zubtsov. There they met in a dogfight with 12 Bf 109 F. In the ensuing fight Mayor Koylochny claimed a Me-109 F and Leytenant Vladimir Timofeenko also claimed a Me-109 F at Zubtsov. There were no losses suffered by 521 IAP.

Mayor Koylochny score for the war was 4 individual and 1 group victory. Leytenant Timofeenko’s score was also 4 individual and 1 group victory. The Soviet loss was the Yak-1 flown by Kapitan Chemerichkin from 521 IAP. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0051, l. 83 Operational Report of the Staff 210 IAD)

From the German side there were no losses. Leutnant Ernst Weismann of 12./JG 51 claimed a MiG-3 (60) at 19:32 and another MiG-3 (61) at 19:35

7 August 1942
JG 51 would carry out its operations from the airfield at Dugino in the Rzhev sector and to the southeast of this sector. Hauptmann Heinrich Krafft of Stab I/JG 51 would claim an Il-2 (61) at 09:55 but with no location.

The 204 BAD launched a bombing raid on German positions west of Shelomki. German fighters shot down two Pe-2 from 38 BAP with Starshiy Serzhant Petr Bataev with crew listed as missing and the other Pe-2 escaped by parachute except the gunner-radio operator. (Operational Report of the Staff 1 VA TsAMO f. 290, o. 0003284, d. 0069, l. 251)

Hauptmann Heinrich Jung of 4./JG 54 claimed a Pe-2 (23) at 11:04 at an altitude of 400 m and Feldwebel Heinrich Wefers of 4./JG 54 claimed a Pe-2 (24) at 11:05 at an altitude of 500 m.

The 201 IAD had fighters from the 32 IAP in the area of Arzhanki – Klimovo on patrol. At 15:20 (MT) they became involved in a dogfight with German fighters. Flying Yak-1 (# 5083) from 32 IAP was the deputy commander of 1 VA Podpolkovnik Leonid Kuldin who was shot down and went missing in action near the village of Titovo. He fell victim to Leutnant Ernst Weismann of 12./JG 51 who claimed a MiG-3 (62) at 14:35 at an altitude of 300 m in the area of M. Krutoe – Kosilovo. The Yak-1 (# 3184) from 32 IAP flown by Serzhant Aleksandr (or Aleksey) Nalivayko was shot down in the area of Tverdunovo and was captured in a wounded condition. His victor in this incident was possibly Feldwebel Anton Hafner of 6./JG 51 who claimed a MiG-1 (54) at 14:50 at an altitude of 400 m in the area of Tverdunovo. The Yak-1 (# 3784) from 32 IAP flown by Starshiy Leytenant Mikhail Rakhlin was forced to make and emergency landing and was initially listed as missing but later returned. (Kirche)

At 16:55 – 17:03 (MT) a dogfight occurred in the area of Korotovo involving the 42 IAP and 188 IAP with German fighters. Flying LaGG-3 (# 1760) from the 42 IAP was 202 IAD Starshiy Batalvonniy Komissar Nikolay Lysenko who’s fighter was hit by a flak unit of the 2. Panzer Division at 15:45 but survived only to fall in the dogfight with German fighters and became a POW. His victor in this battle was Oberfeldwebel Maximilian Stotz of 4./JG 54 claiming a Yak-1 (58) at 16:10 at an altitude of 1000 m to the east of Ryabinki. Also shot down was the Yak-1 (# 2648) from 188 IAP flown by Serzhant Dmitriy Nosonov who became a POW on being captured by 697. Infanterie Regiment. Nosonov’s fighter was reported hit by flak units of the 2. Panzer Division at 15:45 and flak of the 697. Infanterie Regiment at 16:15. It also appears that he was possibly the victim of Oberfeldwebel Stotz who claimed a Yak-1 (59) at 16:12 at an altitude of 1000 m to the east of Ryabinki. (Kirche)

The 203 IAD had fighters from 516 IAP in the area of Shtanino on becoming involved in a dogfight with German fighters at 18:35 (MT). During the battle was shot down Yak-1 (# 2684) flown by Kapitan Ivan Rudnev, Yak-1 (# 1684) flown by Starshiy Leytenant Pavel Polushin and Yak-1 (# 4245) flown by Serzhant Lev Gorbachev, all listed as missing. Rudnev and Polushin fell to the Bf 109s of 5./JG 54. Unteroffizier Hans Pomberger claimed a Yak-1 (2) at 17:50 at an altitude of 700 m and Hauptmann Joachim Wandel claimed a Yak-1 (55) at 18:07 at an altitude of 1100 m from Myakotino to Ryabinki. (Kirche)

The 202 IAD had six Yak-7B from 66 IAP patrolling to the southeast of Zubtsov at 19:20 (MT) when they were attacked by 4 Bf 109. In the ensuing fight the Yak-7B flown by Serzhant Dmitriy Rudenko was shot down and crashed in the forest near the village of Anino. No German claim is found for this loss.

The 201 IAD had patrolling in the area of Krutitsy, Kasilovo and Spas-Vilki the fighters of the 519 IAP. The Yak-1 (# 4383) flown by regiment navigator Kapitan Ivan Nemyatiy was shot down and went missing near Arzhanki. From the German side, this is possibly Leutnant Hans Adam of 6./JG 51 who claimed a MiG-3 (3) at 18:35 at an altitude of 1200 m to the northwest of Arzhanki. (Kirche)

In the area of Mikheevo, German antiaircraft fire hit and damaged Yak-1 (# 3778 or 4883) from 91 IAP flown by Mladshiy Leytenant P. S. Evteev. He was able to make an emergency landing in the area of Nikiforovskoye. His damaged fighter needed to be repaired and he returned to his regiment.

At 18:45 (MT) in the area of Kramnavo, the Flak units of the 2. Panzer Division damaged Yak-1 (# 3781) from 20 IAP flown by Serzhant Vladimir Teslyakov. He he went down west of Popadino (8 km north of Kramnavo). Serzhant Teslyakov was captured by German sappers.

In the area of Shchekoldino, Yak-1 (# 3076) from 91 IAP flown by Serzhant Vasiliy Brichkov is damaged in battle (possibly in a battle with German bombers). Serzhant Brichkov is wounded but makes an emergency landing in the area of Gredyakino on the front battle line. The aircraft is wrecked and ended up as part of the German frontline structure. Serzhant Brichkov managed to work his way across the Soviet frontline after 3 days. The remains of the aircraft were recovered in 2014. (Kirche)

Not all of the reasons for Soviet fighters coming down were combat related. During a mission in the area of Korablino (5 km to the south of Zubtsov). Yak-1 (# 2473) from 92 IAP flown by Leytenant V. A. Armyaninov suffered engine failure and had to make an emergency landing. The pilot was unharmed but the fighter had to be sent to a repair unit.

8 August 1942
From 13:55 – 15:05 (MT) in the area of Rzhev covering Soviet forces were 3 LaGG-3 from the 21 IAP and 1 LaGG-3 from the 193 IAP. The Soviet pilots were flying at an altitude 1500 – 2000 m when they engaged 4 Ju 88. The Soviet pilots were making their attack when the 6 Bf 109 escorts pounced on them. Still the Soviet ace Ivan Borodin drove home his attack claiming a Ju-88 (6) at Rzhev but his fellow pilots were not so lucky. Pavloskiy’s LaGG-3 from the 193 IAP was listed as missing at the end of the mission. Also 2 LaGG-3 from 21 IAP flown by Viktor Semenov and Serzhant Semen Nikitin were listed as missing. (TsAMO f. 22020, o. 0445247, d. 0006, l. 1 page 52 Journal of Combat Operations 21 IAP)

From the German side of this fight there seems to be what could be considered and “under claiming”. From the claims listed by the German pilots only one claim is made during this time period but to the south of Zubtsov. Leutnant Herbert Puschmann of 4./JG 51 claimed a MiG-3 (29) at 13:30.

From 15:40 – 16:52 (MT) 5 Yak-1 from 1 GIAP led by Leytenant Molodchinin covering Soviet forces at Osuga River at the village of Anosovo. In the area of Novoselovo engaged in battle with 3 Ju 88. Leytenant Molodchinin made a head on attack and claimed a Ju-88, which fell burning at Novoselovo. The remaining Ju 88 dropped their bombs and returned to German territory. In the area of Anosovo there was observed a Do 17, which was attacked by Kommissar Drapko and Leytenant Grebeneb as a pair. They reported it went down at 2-3 km from Anocovo. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0051, l. 85 Operational Report of the Staff 210 IAD)

From 15:40 – 17:20 (MT) 8 Pe-2 from 128 BBAP under escort of 11 Soviet Hurricane bombed German positions at Dobraya. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0052, l. 86 Operational Report of the Staff 211 BBAD)

From 16:40 – 17:45 (MT) a group of 5 Yak-1 from 1 GIAP covered Soviet forces in the area of Zubtsov – Shchekoldino. At the village of Dobrino the group was pounced from above on their rear by 6 Bf 109. Kapitan Voloshin had to leave his burning fighter by parachute and landed in the area of the village.

From the German side, this is possibly the claim made by Feldwebel Richard Quante of 6./JG 51 for a Yak-1 (41) at 16:20 to the east southeast of Zubtsov. Another claim was made during this time period but denied confirmation for Oberleutnant Karl Rammelt of 4,/JG 51 for a MiG-1 at 16:15 to the west of Chask(?) but did not have a witness.

From 18:26 – 19:50 a group of 6 Yak-1 from 162 IAP led by Kapitan Volkov escorted 4 Il-2 from 212 ShAD. Kapitan Volkov with his wingman Leytenant Katyukov intercepted 2 Bf 109 attempting to attack the Il-2s. The Soviet pilots attacked from above on the rear of the German fighters at an altitude of 600 m. The Soviet pilots claimed that the led Me-109 fell burning around the village of Krasnoe. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0051, l. 85 Operational Report of 210 IAD) No German Bf 109 could be confirmed as lost in this area in air battle and or other causes.

The airfield at Dugino was bombed by Soviet bombers which resulted in the loss and damage of Bf 109s. Bf 109 F-2 (# 12 696) of 8./JG 51 received 30% damage, Bf 109 F-2 (# 8313) of 8./JG 51 15%. Bf 109 F-2 (# 12 879) of III/JG 51 at 100%, Bf 109 F-2 (# 12 696) at 10% and Bf 109 F-2 (# 9696) at 100%.

In a take off accident, Feldwebel Wilhelm Küken was injured and Bf 109 F-2 (# 12 696) suffered 50% damage at Rzhev. Even II/JG 54 had 2 fighters make belly landings at Dedjurewo by unknown pilots that resulted in 40% damage each to Bf 109 G-2 (# 10346) and Bf 109 G-2 (# 10363) with unknown reason.

9 August 1942
In the sky above the positions of the Soviet 31st Army in the area of the Vazuza River, where 5 Yak-1 from the 163 IAP led by Kapitan Viktor Volkov, having taken off at 05:45 (MT). Approaching the Soviet pilots observed up to 20 Ju 88 in groups of 6 – 8 aircraft under escort of three groups of 4 Bf 109 F. The Soviet pilots moved to attack these formations. Kapitan Volkov’s group attacked the 1st group of 8 Ju 88 with its 8 Bf 109 F escort. Kapitan Volkov and Starshiy Leytenant Sergey Katyukov as a pair reported shooting down a Ju 88 to the south of Zubtsov. Kapitan Volkov was attacked by 2 Bf 109 from above on the front from the sun. He was reported to have been attacked at the same time from below to the rear. The engine caught fire and Kapitan Volkov parachuted over Soviet territory. From the German side the victor appears to be Feldwebel Heinrich Wefers of 4./JG 54 who shot down a Yak-1 (25) at 05:19 in this area.

Leytenant Aleksandr Nikulina was attacked by 2 Bf 109 from the rear above and left with a smoking aircraft. His fate was listed as missing. From the German side this was possibly Hauptmann Heinrich Jung of 4./JG 54 claiming a Yak-1 (25) at 05:20 to the southwest of Zubtsov.

Leytenant Ivan Sharoyko and Starshiy Leytenant Arkadiy Pokroskin met in an air battle with 4 Bf 109 F, as a result Pokrovskin’s fighter was damaged. This was the possible claim made by Leutnant Karl-Heinz Weber of 7./JG 51, who reported shooting down a Yak-1 (22) at 05:15 to the west of the Vazuza River to the south of Zubtsov. He left with a decline from the battle. Leytenant Sharoyko covered him from attacks of the German fighters. Sharoyko observed for several minutes the attempt to escape by Pokroskin, before observing his Yak-1 tilt over on the wing and hit the ground. The aircraft burned but the fate of the pilot was unknown.

Leytenant Sharoyko’s Yak-1 was damaged and began to leave the battle because of control damage. As a result of the damage, he headed in the direction of Torzhok. He was pursued and attacked by 2 Bf 109 as he continued to his airfield with his burning fighter. As Sharoyko came to the Soviet airfield at Torzhok, he lowered his landing gear and made a normal landing. Sharoyko fled his fighter, which burned up on the ground. The German fighter pursuing the Yak-1, appears from the location to be Obgefr Herbert Rauchfuss of 4./JG 54 who claimed a Yak-1 (5) at 05:25 to the east of Staritsa. This was would be the direction that Sharoyko passed in his flight north towards Torzhok. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0051, l. 86 Operational Report of the Staff 210 IAD)

To escort the Pe-2 bombers of the 211 BBAD took off 7 Hurricanes from the 157 IAP at 09:02 (MT). In an air battle they would lose a Hurricane before landing at 10:06 (MT). Confusion over the name of the lost pilot appears both in the Journal of the 157 IAP and Operational Report of the 256 IAD as both list Serzhant Il’ya Korsunskiy as missing during this battle and the later one to Osuga, which more compelling witness indicates it was the latter. The report of the Soviet 3 VA does confirm the loss of 2 Hurricanes from the 157 IAP this day. All indications this loss occurred to the west of Rzhev but no German pilot made a claim in this area during that time frame. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 4495, d. 57, l. 86 Operational Report of the Staff 256 IAD 09.08.1942)

At 10:25 (MT) took off 5 Pe-2 from 793 BBAP to bomb the railway station at Osuga. On their return journey crossing over the Zubtsov area, they ran into German fighters from II./JG 54. Oberfeldwebel Paul Finkler of 4./JG 54 claimed a Pe-2 (1) at 10:13 for the first kill against the Soviet bombers. Oberfeldwebel Maximilian Stotz of 4./JG 54 claimed a Pe-2 (60) at 10:15 and followed with another Pe-2 (61) at 10:17 for the last loss from this formation. At the completion of the mission at 11:45 (MT) the aircraft and crews of Mladshiy Leytenant Avdokhin, Serzhants Aleksey Volynshchikov and Ivan Moiseev were listed as missing. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0052, l. 87 Operational Report of the Staff 211 BBAD)

At 11:45 (MT) took off 4 Yak-1 from the 521 IAP led by Mayor Timofey Kobylochniy to patrol above the Soviet 31st Army along the Vazuza River in the area of Zubtsov – Gnezdilovo. The Soviet fighters in this area met 4 Bf 109 in a dogfight at an altitude of 1000 m. Two Bf 109 attacked from above on the rear of the Yak-1 of Serzhant Sulaev. With a damaged aircraft he left the battle and his fate was listed as unknown at the end of the mission at 12:55 (MT). From the German side, this was possibly the claim made by Hauptmann Joachim Wandel of 5./JG 54 for a MiG-3 (57) at 10:10 in the area of Zubtsov. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0051, l. 1 Operational Report of the Staff 210 IAD)

Another Soviet bombing raid was launched against the railway station at Osuga but this time 5 lend-lease Hurricanes of the 157 IAP took off at 12:30 (MT) as the escort. On their return trip in the area of Zubtsov they reported being attacked by 5 Bf 109 from out of the clouds. A dogfight was then fought at an altitude of 700 – 800 m. Oberfeldwebel Heinz Klöpper of 11./JG 51 reported shooting down a Hurricane (57) at 12:10 at 15 km south southwest of Zubtsov. Klöpper then scored another Hurricane (58) at 12:12 at 15 km south of Zubtsov. On the landing of the Soviet fighters at 14:10 (MT) only the Hurricane of Serzhant Il’ya Korsunskiy was listed as missing and according to the Soviet pilots had taken some damage from antiaircraft fire at Osuga. (TsAMO f. 22362, o. 0429910s, d. 0001, l. 2 Journal of Combat Operations of the 157 IAP)

At 15:25 (MT) another German bombing raid was intercepted to the south of Zubtsov but this time by 4 LaGG-3 from 5 GIAP led by Mayor Boris Zhurin. The Soviet pilots estimated the German formation as 4 Ju 88, 4 Do 215 with an escort of 8 Bf 109. Kapitan Aleksandr Kondratyuk reported shooting down a Ju-88 at Vekshino and Kapitan Grigory shot down a Do-215 (4) at Pul’nikovo. The LaGG-3 did not only attack the German bombers. Serzhant Vladimir Tsapalin made three attacks on a Me-109 F from the top rear and below rear, with a distance of 100 – 50 m, which fell 6 km to the southwest of Zubtsov. This could possibly be Bf 109 F-2 (# 8910) flown by Feldwebel Rudolf Beck of 9./JG 51, which came down at Zubtsov with 50% damage. The German bomber formation claims were a “little” to optimistic as during the day only one German bomber of the III./KG 3 was damaged.

The LaGG-3 pilots did not go unscratched in this battle. The LaGG-3 flown by Mayor Zhurin was shot down by a Bf 109 at 4-5 km to the southeast of Zubtsov, a parachute was seen to open. Despite this the Soviet ace of 6 victories and 1 group victory was found dead. From the German side this was possibly the victory of Feldwebel Richard Quante of 6./JG 51, who shot down a MiG-3 (42) at 15:05 to the southwest of Zubtsov. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0050. L. 96 Operational Report of the Staff 209 IAD)

10 August 1942
From 05:20 – 06:20 (MT) 8 Hurricanes from 157 IAP led by Mayor Ivan Fedotov escorted 11 Il-2 to the target and back in the areas: Galakhovo, Timofeyevo and Lazarevo. While in flight to the target they met and went to intercept 2 Bf 109 to the side but the Bf 109s avoided fighting. There was also no antiaircraft fire in the target area. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 4495, d. 57, l. 88 Operational Report of the Staff 256 IAD)

From 05:25 – 06:15 (MT) 7 Yak-1 from 1 GIAP escorted 4 Il-2 from 212 ShAD for assault on Rzhev. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0070, l. 4 Journal of Combat Operations 3 VA)

From 05:50 – 06:56 (MT) 5 LaGG-3 from 523 IAP took off to cover Soviet forces in the area of Rzhev. At an altitude of 2000 m they intercepted a German bomber formation of 25 He 111 and Ju 88 with an escort of 9 Bf 109. Serzhant Semenchuk reported damaging a He 111. (TsAMO f. 22752, o. 0036292s, d. 0008, l. 4 page 53 Journal of Combat Operations 523 IAP)

From 07:05 – 08:23 (MT) 8 Hurricanes from 157 IAP led by Kapitan Petr Ovcharov escorted 12 Il-2 to the target and back in the areas: Galakhovo and Timofeyevo. At an altitude of 2000 m to the northwest of Rzhev, they passed 3 Bf 109 on a course of 80°. In the area of Rzhev the Soviet aircraft were shelled by German antiaircraft fire. (Operational Report of the Staff 256 IAD)

From 08:18 – 09:22 (MT) 8 Pe-2 from the 527 BAP conducted a bombing raid in the area of Rzhev at an altitude of 1900 m. There was an attempt to intercept them by 2 Bf 109 and 1 Bf 110 without results. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0070, l. 4 page 100 Journal of Combat Operations 3 VA)

In the morning hours a dogfight occurred 7 km south southeast of Zubtsov in which Oberfeldwebel Heinz Klöpper of 11./JG 51 claimed a LaGG-3 (59) at 07:50.

From 09:45 – 10:55 (MT) 8 Hurricanes from 157 IAP again led by Kapitan Ovcharov escorted 6 Il-2 to the target in the area of Apoki. No German fighters were observed but one Il-2 was shot down by antiaircraft fire in the target area. (Operational Report of the Staff 256 IAD)

In the sector of operation of the Soviet 1 VA a dogfight took place. In this battle Leutnant Ernst Weismann of 12./JG 51 claimed a LaGG-3 (66) at 09:22.

From 11:40 – 12:40 (MT) took off from the Soviet airfield at Bosharovo 8 I-16 from 728 IAP to cover the Soviet 30th Army. They went to intercept 4 He 111 under escort of 10 Bf 109, which they met in battle. The battle ended without results. (Operational Report of the Staff 256 IAD)

A Shturmovik raid was intercepted at 24 km northeast of Rzhev in which Unteroffizier Günther Schack claimed an Il-2 (7) at 10:57.

From 11:57 – 13:10 (MT) 8 Hurricanes from 157 IAP led by Kapitan Ovcharov escorted 4 Il-2 in the target area of Apoki and back. In the area of Rzhev the Soviet pilots observed up to 5 Bf 109 in pairs and single, that went into the clouds without fighting. (Operational Report of the Staff 256 IAD)

From 14:15 – 15:25 (MT) 7 Hurricanes from 157 IAP led by Kapitan Ovcharov escorted 6 Il-2 to targets in the areas of Nakhodovo and Startsevo. In the area of Nakhodovo they were shelled by German antiaircraft fire. On the course from the target the Soviet aircraft met up to 15 Bf 109 that engaged them in battle. Two of the Hurricanes received 2-4 machine gun holes with Serzhant Voloshin being wounded in the right leg. (Operational Report of the Staff 256 IAD)

From the German side in the area of this battle there were claims made by Oberfeldwebel Maximilian Stotz of 4./JG 54, who reported claiming a LaGG-3 (63) at 13:40, followed by another LaGG-3 (64) at 13:41 and a final LaGG-3 (66) at 13:42.

At 14:25 (MT) took off 2 Il-2 from the 312 ShAP to attack German forces at the villages of Apoki – Malyukovo to the southeast of Rzhev. From this mission did not return Leytenants Vasiliy Khomyakov and Prokopiy Bushuev. (TsAMO f. 22570, o. 0223602s, d. 0002, l. 2 page 60 Journal of Combat Operations 312 ShAP)

From the German side, Oberfeldwebel Maximilian Stotz of 5./JG 54 claimed an Il-2 (66) at 14:15 and Oberleutnant Fritz Stendel of 8./JG 51 also claiming an Il-2 (31) at 14:15 both in the target area of the 312 ShAP.

The Soviet 1 VA responded to the fighting in the Rzhev sector by sending Pe-2s from the 204 BAD.

From 17:35 – 18:30 (MT) 4 Hurricanes from 157 IAP led by Kapitan Ovcharov escorted to and back from the target at Dobraya 6 Il-2. With the approach to the target there was observed 7 Bf 109 in pairs and single, which they went to intercept but the German fighters avoided battle. (Operational Report of the Staff 256 IAD)

From 17:35 – 18:30 (MT) 6 Pe-2 from 128 BAP conducted a bombing raid in the area of Timofeyevo. The Soviet aviators observed 5 Bf 109 at 17:58 (MT) but no attack. One Pe-2 was damaged by German antiaircraft fire. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0070, l. 4 Journal of Combat Operations 3 VA)

A returning Soviet bomber raid consisting of Pe-2s from 527 BAP from the area of Rzhev was intercepted by Bf 109s. The Pe-2 flown by Mayor Mikhail Dedov-Dzyadushinskiy was attacked by a Bf 109 and badly damaged. Mayor Dedov still managed to bring his Pe-2 down for an emergency landing on the airfield at Dary. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0052, l. 88 Operational Report of the Staff 211 BBAD)

From the German side, without the time of the mission and based on the location of the claim, this was possibly made by Leutnant Ernst Weismann of 12./JG 51, who claimed a Pe-2 (67) at 12:25 to the west of Staritsa. Leutnant Wisemann then went to the southeast to the east of Zubtsov, were he claimed a MiG-3 (68) at 12:27.

From 14:40 – 15:15 (MT) 4 Yak-1 from 163 IAP led by Starshiy Leytenant Ivan Konyakhin, escorted Il-2 from 212 ShAD to assault German forces in the area of Znamenskoye and forest on the bank of Volga River, that was 300 m west of Povolzh’e.

In the area of Znamenskoye, Soviet pilots observed two pair of Bf 109. Leytenant Ivan Sharoyko attacked one pair of Bf 109 F at an altitude of 800 – 2000 m, with two attacks from above rear was claimed a Me-109F (4), which fell 1 km west of Burysovo. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0051, l. 85 Operational Report of the Staff 210 IAD)

From the German side no loss of a Bf 109 is found in this area to confirm Leytenant Sharoyko’s claim.

A dogfight occurred to the southeast of Mologino in which Leutnant Günther Rübell of Stab II/JG 51 claimed a LaGG-3 (38) at 15:25. In the area of Polunino a dogfight took place in which Unteroffizier Rudolf Wagner of 10./JG 51 claimed a LaGG-3 (1) at 15:45. Another dogfight occurred involving Leutnant Horst Hannig of 5./JG 54 in which he claimed a Yak-1 (60) at 15:55 to the north northwest of Staritsa.

The Soviet 1 VA launched bombers of the 204 BAD against German positions around Rzhev. In one of them the Pe-2 from 261 BAP with the crew of Mladshiy Leytenant Vasiliy Udovenko was killed by German antiaircraft fire. Another Pe-2 from the same regiment flown by Leytenant Ivan Petin with crew was killed in an air battle with German fighters.

From the German side, this possibly involved Feldwebel Richard Brand of 10./JG 51who claimed a Pe-2 (10) at 16:10. Also Feldwebel Brand was shot down and wounded in Bf 109 F-2 (#5463) with 100% damage at 25 km northeast of Rzhev (about the same area of his kill).

Another Soviet bomber raid was made by the Soviet 211 BBAD against the Rzhev sector. Again it was the 527 BAP performing the mission. The first Pe-2 was shot down by Bf 109s and seen falling 1-5 km to the north of Deshevka by Soviet aviators, who also observed the crew parachute to safety. Four more Pe-2 would also fall to attacks by Bf 109. The Pe-2 of Mladshiy Leytenant Kolachev and crew would be listed missing but later return. The Pe-2 of Mladshiy Leytenant Nikolay Belyaev and crew would also be reported missing but return only to perish on the 18 August 1942. The Pe-2s of Starshina Aleksandr Nesterov and Serzhant Boris Vavilin with their crews would never return. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0041, l. Operational Report of the Staff 3 VA)

From the German side, these 5 Soviet bombers can’t be linked individually to a certain pilot but possibly can be accounted for in claims. Oberleutnant Karl Rammelt of 4./JG 51 claimed a Pe-2 (8) at 17:05 at 10 km north of Rzhev. Hauptmann Hartmann Grasser of Stab II/JG 51 claimed a Pe-2 (71) at 17:10 as the formation continued. The last three losses fell to Hauptmann Carl Sattig of 6./JG 54 who claimed a Pe-2 (52) at 17:00 and another Pe-2 (53) at 17:10. Unteroffizier Johan Fieber of 6./JG 54 also claimed a Pe-2 (6) at 17:10.

From this battle was reported missing Hauptmann Carl Sattig of 6./JG 54 flying Bf 109 G-2 (# 10383) listed as 100% loss. From the book “Black Cross/Red Star: Everything for Stalingrad” Volume 3 by Christer Bergström is stated the following from Unteroffizier Johan Fieber: “We engaged six Pe-2s north of Rzhev. After Hauptmann Sattig had shot down two and I had shot down one, my engine was hit as I attacked another bomber. I was forced to return to base. Since then I didn’t see or hear anything from Hauptmann Sattig.”

In 2010 a Russian “military archeologists” team (voluntary group) found the part of the wing of Carl Sattig’s Bf 109 and his tag identification to the south of Smykovo. The impact site of his machine was not found and the tag was taken to the German Cemetery near Rzhev.

The II./JG 54 would suffer its first loss and tragic death this day at 17:15 in a take off accident at Smolensk – Nord. Unteroffizier Heinz Kalwellies of 5./JG 54 was killed in Bf 109 G-2 (# 10 378), which was written off as 95% damaged.

In a dogfight to the northwest of Deshevki a claim was made by Leutnant Ernst Weismann of 12./JG 51 for a Curtiss P-40 (69) at 17:20. Strangely there is no such loss mentioned of a P-40 in the losses of either the Soviet 1 VA or the 3 VA for this day. So Weismann either misidentified the Soviet fighter or was wanting to add something different to his score.

From 18:48 – 19:55 (MT) 4 LaGG-3 from 21 IAP took off to cover Soviet forces in the area to the north of Rzhev. They met 5 Ju 88 which they attacked. The German bombers dropped their bombs and turned back to German territory. The Soviet pilots claimed as damaged in the air battle, two Ju-88 and two Me-109. To the south of Mologino, 3 LaGG-3 engaged in an air battle with 7 Bf 109. The battle began going badly for the Soviet fighters with the LaGG-3 flown by Leytenant Stephan Slizkov leaving with damage to its water cooling system. Another LaGG-3 was pursued by 2 Bf 109 right up to the Soviet airfield. Leytenant Slizkov was listed as missing after the battle. This was not the end of Slizkov as he returned to his unit on the 12 August and his fighter was sent to a repair workshop for damages. (Kirche)

From the German side, claiming in this area was Leutnant Horst Hannig of 5./JG 54 that reported shooting down a Yak-1 (61) at 18:32 in that area. Also claiming in this area was Hauptmann Joachim Wandel of 5./JG 54 for MiG-3 (62) at 18:49 and another MiG-3 at 18:57.

From 18:40 – 19:55 (MT) 5 LaGG-3 from 193 IAP took off to cover Soviet forces to the north of Rzhev. They were directed by radio to 9 – 12 Ju 88 dropping bombs in the area of Murilovo, Msikovo and Didilovo. The five LaGG-3 singly attacked the Ju 88s. The LaGG-3 piloted by Shcherbakov pursued and claimed a Ju 88, which burning fell to the north of Perkhurovo. The LaGG-3 piloted by Karas’ made four attacks from behind, above, behind on the side claiming a Ju-88 – which fell in the area of Timofeyevo. One Ju-88 was reported damaged and went towards German territory. At 19:23 (MT) at an altitude of 2000 m in the covered area appeared 6 Bf 109 – 3 LaGG-3 in a group shot down 1 Bf 109, which fell to the south of Lazarevo. (Kirche)

From the German side the Bf 109 claim can not be confirmed in German records.

From 19:30 – 20:00 (MT) 5 Yak-1 from 163 IAP led by Starshiy Leytenant Ivan Zudilov escorted 6 Il-2 from the 212 ShAD, which made an assault on German forces in the area of Santalovo – Khoroshevo. In the area of Santalovo, they intercepted 8 Bf 109. Starshiy Leytenant Aleksandr Bol’shakov attacked and claimed a Me-109 F (14) before going after another pair of Bf 109. Leytenant Katyukov then attacked two pair of Bf 109 with no results. Bol’shakov attacked another Me-109, which went down burning to the side of Rzhev. This last claim was not confirmed to Bol’shakov. The 163 IAP suffered one loss with the Yak-1 flown by Leytenant Vladimir Timofeenko being listed as missing. Leytenant Timofeenko was possibly wounded but would later be transferred to 157 IAP, he would pass away in 2005. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0051, l. 85 Operational Report of the Staff 210 IAD)(Kirche)

This battle from the German side, possibly involved the Bf 109s of 5./JG 54 in this area. Leutnant Horst Hannig claimed a Yak-1 (61) at 18:32. This was followed by Hauptmann Joachim Wandel who claimed a MiG-3 (62) at 18:49 and another MiG-3 (63) at 18:57. There were no losses reported by JG 54 in this area.
From 19:25 – ? (MT) 3 LaGG-3 from 5 GIAP led by Guards Kapitan Aleksandr Kondrotyuk in the area of Rzhev attacked 6 Bf 109 at an altitude of 2000 m. As a result the Soviet pilots claimed a Me-109, which fell to the south of Lazarevo. Kondrotyuk’s LaGG-3 was damaged and made an emergency landing at Kyshnikovo. He was wounded and his fighter was wrecked. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0050, l. 98 Operational Report of the Staff 209 IAD)

From the German side in this area no Bf 109 can be confirmed to the Soviet claim. This battle could have possibly involved one of the above listed 5./JG 54 pilots.

From 19:35 – 20:45 (MT) 4 LaGG-3 from 5 GIAP led by Guards Kapitan Aleksandr Kondrotyuk were covering Soviet forces in the area of Rzhev. They attacked 6 Bf 109 at an altitude of 2000 m. As a result they claimed a Me-109, which fell to the south of Lazarevo. Kondrotyuk’s LaGG-3 was damaged and made an emergency landing at Kyshnikovo. He was wounded and his fighter was wrecked. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0050, l. 98 Operational Report of the Staff 209 IAD)

From 19:30 – 20:40 (MT) covering Soviet forces in the area of Rzhev were 6 LaGG-3 led by Mayor Anatoliy Golubov from 523 IAP. At an altitude of 1700 m they intercepted a German formation of 12 Ju 88 under escort of 18 Bf 109. In the air battle, Mayor Golubov claimed to have damaged a Me-109. In this battle was lost 3 LaGG-3 from the 523 IAP. The LaGG-3 (# 31212979) of Mladshiy Leytenant Vasiliy Belitskiy, LaGG-3 ( 31213091) Voentekhnik Fedor Ogarkov and LaGG-3 (# 31213089) Serzhant Il’ya Antonov, the first two would be reported missing. Serzhant Antonov would later return to his unit. He would perish on 9 September 1943 at 13:50 in La-5 (# 37211061) to Oberleutnant Rafael Calleja Gonzales of 15(Span.)/JG 51.(TsAMO f. 22752, o. 0036292s, d. 0008, l. 4 page 53 – 54 Journal of Combat Operations 523 IAP and Kirche)

From the German side, this was Leutnant Hans Beisswenger of 6./JG 54 who claimed a Yak-1 (75) at 18:40 and another Yak-1 (76) at 18:41 to the northwest of Rzhev. Also possibly, Hauptmann Joachim Müncheberg of Stab/JG 51 who claimed a Yak-1 (89) at 18:40 to the north of Rzhev.

From 19:45 – 20:50 (MT) 6 Hurricanes from 157 IAP led by Kapitan Ovcharov escorted 12 Il-2 to and from the targets at Dobraya. No German fighters were observed and no losses suffered.

Also II./JG 54 suffered two other losses during this day both suffering 15% damage during a Soviet bomber raid at the airfield at Dugino (Bf 109 G-2 # 10 382 for II./JG 54 and Bf 109 G-2 # 10 362). Also possibly during the same raid on Dugino the III./JG 51 suffered losses from bomb blasts to 7./JG 51 of Bf 109 F-2 # 12 906 of 25% Bf 109 F-2 # 8117 of 30%, Bf 109 F-2 # 9192 of 15%, Bf 109 F-2 # 5524 of 15%, 8./JG 51 Bf 109 F-2 # 8310 of 10%, Bf 109 F-2 # 12 881 of 10%, III./JG 51 Bf 109 F-2 # 12 655 of 100%, Bf 109 F-2 # 6827 of 90%, Bf 109 F-2 # 8074 of 25%, Bf 109 F-2 # 5436 of 65%, Bf 109 F-2 # 12 728 of 95%, Bf 109F-2 # 9715 of 25% Bf 109 F-2 # 8172 of 65% Bf 108 # 3092 of 45%, Kl 35 B # 3082 of 35% Fw 58 # 2933 of 25% and Fi 156 C-3 of 10%. Losses also occurred to Stab/JG 51 during the raid on Dugino resulting in 80% damage to Bf 109 F-2 (# 9596) and 10% damage to Bf 109 F-2 (# 9621).

There was one loss to III./JG 51 due to air combat but the circumstances surrounding this battle are unknown as to time, pilot and if it was with a Soviet fighter, bomber or Il-2. Bf 109 F-2 (# 6671) suffered 55% damage and came down east of Bely

To the west of the fighting at Rzhev, an air battle occurred involving II./JG 51 with no known circumstances at this time. An unknown pilot of 4./JG 51 flying Bf 109 F-2 (# 8148) came down in the area of Olenino with the damage listed as 60% Another unknown pilot of 6./JG 51 was involved in a take off accident on Bf 109 F-2 (# 5401) at Dugino resulting in 30% damage.

11 August 1942
The Soviet 204 BAD had the 38 BAP perform a bomber raid in the area of Sosedovo. The Pe-2 (# 12/18) of Mladshiy Leytenant Aleksandr Red’kin and the Pe-2 (# 12/02) of Serzhant Fedor Perkov were both shot down by a Bf 109 and perished.(Kirche)

From the German side from the II./JG 54 the victor was Leutnant Hans Beisswenger from 6./JG 54 who claimed a Pe-2 (77) at 09:36 and another Pe-2 (78) at 09:37 with both at an altitude of 1200 m to the southeast of Ssosnedowo.

12 August 1942
Between 06:50 – 07:40 (MT) there took off a Pe-2 from the 11 ORAP to perform a reconnaissance in the area of Rzhev – Zubtsov. At 07:15 (MT) the crew reported that they were attacked by 2 Bf 109. From the German side, Unteroffizier Günther Schack of 7./JG 51 claimed a Pe-2 (8) at 06:10 at an altitude of 1500 m at 12 km northeast of Zubtsov. Schack describes the incident “On 12 August I am able to score my 8th Abschuss. After completing an escort mission, a lone Pe-2 turns up. Before it can save itself in the clouds. Large flames come out of the right wing after my burst. She falls into the Volga with a big splash. One man was able to save himself with his parachute.” (Eriksson)

The Soviet crew landed at their airfield minus the air gunner but listed the damage to the aircraft, as caused by antiaircraft fire! The gunner possibly later returned as he was not listed as a permanent loss.

At 10:08 – ? (MT) at 3100 m with the approach to the target 5 Pe-2 from the 793 BBAP observed antiaircraft fire and were attacked by 2 Bf 109 and 2 He-113 (Soviet misidentification for Bf 109 F). The attack was made from the above rear. After 4 attacks the Pe-2s of Leytenant Nikolay Evseev and Mladshiy Leytenant Mikhail Kochkin went in a decline. One from these to an altitude of 100-150 m burning as it fell 12-15 km north of Rzhev. From the second Pe-2 one member of the crew escaped on parachute, the landing place of the parachutist and aircraft was not observed. One Pe-2 as a result of shooting up the pneumatics caused the right landing gear to drop near the target, on landing the leg folded. The aircraft was further damaged. The Pe-2 gunners claimed as shot down 1 Me-109 and 1 He-113. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0052, l. 90 Operational Report of the Staff 211 BBAD)

From the German side, Feldwebel Rudi Meyer of 9./JG 51 claimed a Pe-2 (1) at 09:43 and Unteroffizier Hubert Strassl oof 9./JG 51 also claimed a Pe-2 (5) at 09:45.

15 August 1942
At 06:40 (MT) patrolling in the area northwest of Zubtsov were six MiG-3 from 122 IAP led by AE commander Starshiy Leytenant M. Ye. Korobkov. From the clouds dived 2 Bf 109 and shot down MiG-3 (#3872) flown by Leytenant Yuriy Alekseev, which went crashing to the ground and his death at 4 km north of the village of Chichakovo. The two Messerschmitts then went back into the clouds.

From the German side is listed Leutnant Hans Beisswenger of 6./JG 54 claimed a Yak-1 (81) at 05:47 at an altitude of 1000 m at PlQu. 47344.

At 06:30 (MT) to the northeast of Rzhev at an altitude of 1000 m was patrolling 2 LaGG-3 from 193 IAP. They observed up to 30 Ju 88 approaching and moved to attack. From a distance of 300-400 m, they attacked 7 Ju 88 in which up to 10 attacks were made. The result was 3 Ju 88 left damaged and smoking from the battle.

At 06:55 to the northeast of Rzhev at an altitude of 2000 m there were 3 LaGG-3 from 193 IAP led by Starshiy Leytenant Shemendyuk. They observed 6 Bf 109 moving to engage them and for 15 minutes both sides fought before the Bf 109s departed. The LaGG-3 piloted by Leont’ev was able to return to his airfield in a damaged condition. (Operational Report of the Staff 209 IAD TsAMO f. 311,o. 0004495, d. 0050, l. 106)

From the German side these Bf 109s appear to be from II./JG 54. Unteroffizier Karl Klopp from 6./JG 54 claimed a Yak-1(2) at 05:58 at an altitude of 20 m at PlQu. 47534.

At 08:30 (MT) patrolling at altitude of 3000 m to the northeast of Rzhev were 3 LaGG-3 from 5 GIAP led by Starshiy Leytenant Karaev. From out of the clouds attacked 2 Bf 109. The German fighters after the attack climbed back into the clouds. From the Soviet group was missing the LaGG-3 flown by Starshiy Leytenant Karaev. (Operational Report of the Staff 209 IAD TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0050, l. 106)

From the German side there is Unteroffizier Johann Fieber of 6./JG 54 claiming a Yak-1 (9) at 07:35 at an altitude 2000 m at PlQu. 47563.

At 09:10 (MT) in the area of Zelenichino at an altitude of 2000 m patrolled 4 LaGG-3 led by Kapitan Laveykin. They engaged in an air battle with 4 Bf 109 for 30 minutes before the Germans left the fight. Both sides did not achieve any results.

Leutnant Hans Beisswenger of 6./JG 54 claimed a Yak-1 (82) at 10:20 (11:20 MT) at an altitude of 1500 m at PlQu. 47592 (area of Glebovo).

At 12:50 (MT) in the area of Glebovo (northeast of Rzhev) at an altitude of 1500 m patrolled 3 LaGG-3 of 5 GIAP led by Kapitan Laveykin. They were engaged in an air battle with 4 Bf 109. The LaGG-3 flown by the pilot Radchenko did not return. He returned to his regiment on the 16th but his fighter which forced landed at Lukovnikovo had to be taken for major repairs. (Operational Report of the Staff 209 IAD TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0050, l. 106)

From the German side is listed Oberfeldwebel Urlich Wöhnert of 2./JG 54 claimed a MiG-3 (2) at 12:35 (45 minutes after 12:50 MT) at an altitude of 2000 m at PlQu. 34413.

To the east of Zhizdra a dogfight took place involving Leutnant Horst Hanning of 5./JG 54 who claimed a Yak-1 (64) at 10:45 at an altitude of 1500 m at PlQu. 54 182 and followed with another Yak-1 (65) at 11:00 at an altitude of 100 m at PlQu. 54242.

At 16:25 (MT) to the northeast of Rzhev at an altitude of 2500 – 3000 m patrolled 4 LaGG-3 of 5 GIAP led by Kapitan Laveykin. They engaged in a 20 minute air battle with 4 Bf 109. The Soviet pilots claimed shot down 1 Me-109 in which the pilot parachuted out and 1 Me-109 damaged. The pilot Makaoenko parachuted out of his LaGG-3 and Starshiy Leytenant Bik-Mukhomedov had his LaGG-3 damaged but wrecked it on forced landing. (Operational Report of the Staff 209 IAD TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0050, l. 106)

From the German side this battle appears to have involved I./JG 54 which reported no losses this day. As for the shot down Soviet fighters, there is Feldwebel Peter Siegler of 3./JG 54 who claimed a Yak-1 (25) at 15:33 at an altitude of 1800 m and another Yak-1 (26) at 15:35 at an altitude of 800 m both at PlQu. 47564 (area of Glebovo).

18 August 1942
At 06:05 (MT) took off Pe-2 (# 11/90) from the 11 ORAP flown by Serzhant Ivan Moshkin for a reconnaissance mission in the areas of Bely, Guseva and Afanasovo. Leutnant Klaus-Hennig Kamrath of 12/JG 51 claimed a Yak4 (1) at 05:50. Serzhant Moshkin became a prisoner of war, only returning in 1945. His remaining two crew members were listed as missing. (TsAMO f. 21966, o. 0198586s, d. 0002, l. 2 page 5 Journal of Combat Operations 11 ORAP)

At 08:30 (MT) in the area of Timofeevo at 3 LaGG-3 from the 5 GIAP led by Kapitan Labeykin at an altitude of 1500 m engaged in battle 4 Bf 109 F. After 3-4 attacks the Bf 109s went to the south.

Another dogfight occurred at 11:45 (MT) in the area of Znamemskoye at an altitude of 2000 m. This time it involved 6 LaGG-3 from the 5 GIAP led by Podpolkovik Juriy Berkal’ meeting 4 Bf 109, which tried to attack a Pe-2. After the attack the German fighters went into the clouds. The battle was without results.

Between 15:40 – 15:55 (MT) in the area of the airfield at Rzhev at an altitude of 1000 m, 4 LaGG-3 from 5 GIAP led by Mayor Grigoriy Onufrienko intercepted a German formation. The Soviet pilots estimated it to be 14 Ju 88 under escort of 2 Bf 109. The Soviet fighters made 4 attacks on the German bombers. As a result they reportedd damaging 3 Ju 88. They also reported one LaGG-3 as damaged. There were no German claims. (TsAMO f. 311, 0004495, d. 0050, l. 110 Operational Report of the Staff 209 IAD)

Between 15:35 – 16:30 (MT) 5 Yak-1 of the 163 IAP led by Mayor Aleksandr Tormozov escorted 5 Il-2 from the 212 ShAD, which operated in the area of Red’kino. In the target area 3 Ju 88 were attacked by the Soviet fighters. They were then attacked themselves by 6 Bf 109. The Soviet pilots then claimed that they were defending the Shturmoviks from the German fighters. The Shturmoviks laid down a smoke screen to cover their escape from the area without hindrance. From the battle was listed as missing the Yak-1 flown by Leytenant Sergey Katyukov. From the German side. Oberfeldwebel Heinz Klöpper of 11./JG 51 claimed a LaGG-3 (60) at 17:00 at 7 km northeast of Vasil’yevskoye (Tver Oblast). (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0051, l. 97 Operational Report of the Staff 210 IAD)

19 August 1942
At 15:12 (MT) took off LaGG-3 (# 3234) flown by Kapitan Pavel Emel’yanov of 21 IAP as a wingman for two LaGG-3 of 5 GIAP led by Kapitan Laveykin. In the area of Burkovo at 15:30 (MT) at an altitude of 1300 m, they met in battle two Bf 109. A second pair of Bf 109 were seen above at 300-200 m but did not engage. The Soviet pilots reported 1 Me-109 as damaged but Kapitan Emel’yanov was listed as missing after the battle. From the German side, Oberfeldwebel Heinz Klöpper of 11./JG 51 claimed a LaGG-3 (61) at 14:25 at 18 km to the northwest of Rzhev.

At 17:07 (MT) took off LaGG-3 (# 3237) flown by Serzhant Mikhail Mintrakov of 21 IAP as a wingman for 5 LaGG-3 of 5 GIAP in the area of Rzhev. At 5 km northeast of Rzhev at an altitude of 3000 m the Soviet LaGG-3s met in battle with 6 Bf 109. After 5 minutes, another 4 Bf 109 entered into the fight bringing the total to 10 Bf 109. The battle lasted a total of 30 minutes and the altitude fell to an altitude of 1300 m. The Soviet pilots reported damaging 2 Me-109. On returning to the Soviet airfield was missing the LaGG-3 of Serzhant Mintrakov from 21 IAP. Also missing were the two LaGG-3 from 5 GIAP flown by Guards Leytenant Dmitriy Shtokolov and Guards Serzhant Ivan Lavrenko (Both of these future Soviet aces would return to their unit on the 20th). From the German side there was only one claim, Gefreiter Erich Hilbein of 8./JG 51 claimed a LaGG-3 (2) at 16:40 in that area. The Germans had no reported damage to their fighters, unless it was less then 10%. (TsAMO f. 22020, o. 044524, d. 0006, l. 1 page 63 Journal of Combat Operations of 21 IAP and TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0050, l. 111 Operational Report of the Staff 209 IAD)

From 19:15 – 20:25 (MT) 6 Pe-2 from 128 BAP bombed German positions to the south of Rzhev. The Pe-2 flown by Mladshiy Leytenant Grigoriy Logachev and his crew perished after a hit from German antiaircraft fire. (Journal of Combat Operations 128 BAP TsAMO f. 22302, o. 0216314, d. 0021, l. 4 page 212-213; In the OBD Memorial the date is wrongly listed as the 20 August 1942)

At 19:35 (MT) above Aleshino performing a bombing raid were 3 Pe-2 from the 793 BBAP on reportedly being attacked by 9 Bf 109. After the first attack the leading Pe-2 of Starshiy Leytenant Kolesniko with his crew of Mayor Korovin and Serzhant Drokinov was set on fire, the aircraft with a sharp turn went to the ground, on an easterly course. One from the crew escaped by parachute, presumably over Soviet territory. The rest of the crew crashed to the ground in the burning bomber. The wingman, Leytenant Dimitriy Avdokhin with the crew of Mladshiy Leytenant Babik and Serzhant Deynega were attacked simultaneously with the leader. The aircraft kept on a course to the east, the German fighters continued their pursuit up to Staritsa. The remaining Soviet Pe-2 did not observe the final fate of Avdokhin’s bomber. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0052, l. 97 Operational Report of the Staff 211 BBAD)

From the German side, all the claims made against the Soviet formation was made by one pilot of 8./JG 51. Unteroffizier Hubert Strassl claimed a Pe-2 (7) at 18:35. Pe-2 (8) at 18:37, Pe-2 (9) at 18:40 and a final Pe-2 (10) at 18:41. From the led Pe-2 only Leytenant Kolesniko survived by parachuting.

21 August 1942
From 07:04 – 07:47 (MT) patrolling over Soviet forces in the area of Zelenichino were 6 I-16 from the 728 IAP. At 07:10 at an altitude of 1200 m they engaged in an air battle with 12 Ju 88 and the escorting 4 Bf 109. In the resulting battle, Starshiy Serzhant Vasiliy Yerokhino claimed a Me-109, which was observed to fall 1 km to the northeast of Polunino. (Operational Report of the Staff 256 IAD TsAMO f. 311, o. 4495, d. 57, l. 110)

The Germans also made claims in this fight with Leutnant Kurt Fischer 3./JG 54 claiming an I-16 (4) at 06:31at an altitude of 400 m at PlQu. 47641. Oberfeldwebel Rudolf Rademacher of 3./JG 54 claimed an I-16 (16) at 06:35 at an altitude of 400 m at 06:35 at PlQu. 47562.

The problem with this battle was that neither the 728 IAP and the 3./JG 54 suffered a loss in the fight.

From 09:56 – 11:07 (MT) the 211 BAD sent 6 Pe-2 from 527 BBAP to bomb German artillery targets at Arkharovo, Shipulino and Roshcha (2 km southeast of Rzhev). At 10:27 (MT) to the northwest of Rzhev, the German fighters of 8./JG 51 attacked the Soviet formation. The Pe-2 of Leytenant Filipp Pakhomov and Pe-2 of Starshiy Serzhant Nikolay Tomko were both listed as missing in action. The Pe-2 of Serzhant Aleksey Van’kov was reportedly shot down by German anti-artillery and crashed on Soviet territory (Van’kov returned to his unit but was killed in 1944). The Pe-2s claimed to have shot down a Me-109F at an altitude of 2500 m but no matching confirmation is found in III./JG 51.

From the German side it was the Bf 109s of 8./JG 51 making the attack on the Soviet bombers of the 527 BBAP. Leutnant Hermann Lücke claimed a Pe-2 (3), Gefr. Erich Holbein claimed a Pe-2 (3) and Gefr. Alfred Wallys a Pe-2 (1), all giving the time of 09:30 and PlQu. 47581. So possibly the damage, that Serzhant Van’kov reported as antiaircraft fire was actually from German fighter damage.

On the 29 August 2019 in the area of urochishche Durakovo (near Pobeda) was found Pe-2 #3/81 commanded by Nikolay Tomko.

From 09:50 – 11:00 (MT) performing an Il-2 escort mission were 4 Yak-1 from 1 GIAP led by Guards Kapitan Aleksey Molodchinin, which were accompanied by 2 Yak-1 from 163 IAP. The 1 GIAP Yak-1 flown by Guards Mladshiy Serzhant Petr Pidrez was hit by German antiaircraft fire and he parachuted behind German lines. The remaining Soviet fighters went to engage a German formation of 12 Ju 88 with 6 Bf 109 escorting them. The German formation was reportedly re-enforced by 6 Bf 109 in the battle. The 256 IAD had 6 I-16 from the 728 IAP in the area covering Soviet forces from 10:06 – 10:55 (MT) and they joined the attack. The 728 IAP claimed to have shot down 1 Ju 88 and damaged 1 Ju 88. The Yak-1s of 1 GIAP were engaged in the battle with the Bf 109 at 10:21 (MT). The Yak-1 of Guards Kapitan Molodchinin was shot down by a Bf 109 and was forced to parachute at an altitude of 800 – 600 m near the village of Gribeevo. This matches the claim of Feldwebel Peter Siegler of 3./JG 54 of a Yak-1 (27) at 09:32 at an altitude of 800 m in the area of PlQu. 47594.

22 August 1942
Much of the air war this day would be conducted to the south of the sector of Rzhev – Zubtsov in the area of operations of the Soviet 1 VA. There were missions carried out by the Soviet 3 VA but with few losses suffered.

From 07:39 – 09:35 (MT) in the area of Rzhev the 210 IAD had 3 Yak-1 from 1 GIAP and 2 Yak-1 from 163 IAP covering Soviet forces. In a dogfight with 6 Bf 109 the Soviet fighters as a group claimed to have shot down a Me-109F. The Yak-1 from 1 GIAP flown by Leytenant Grebyev was damaged and came down for an emergency landing at at Panino station with the pilot returning to his regiment. (Operational Report of the Staff 210 IAD TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0051, l. 1 22.08.1942)

From the German side this is possibly the work of I./JG 54. Oberfeldwebel Karl Fuchs of 2./JG 54 claimed a Yak-1 (29) at 08:10 to the northeast of Rzhev. The I./JG 54 reported no losses to aerial combat this day.

The 264 ShAD performed Shturmovik missions during the day and suffered the losses reported of Il-2’s in this sector. Despite the lack of precise mission times in the early morning the 6 GShAP had 6 Il-2 assault the southeast outskirts of Rzhev. They encountered German antiaircraft fire and Bf 109s. The Il-2 flown by Starshiy Serzhant Fedor Kralivin would be listed as missing. The Il-2 flown by Starshiy Serzhant Mikhail Levitskiy would be listed as hit by German antiaircraft fire and finished off by a Bf 109 with the pilot crashing to his death near the village of Nenaedovo. (Operational Report of the Staff 264 ShAD 22.08.1942 TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0059, l. 70)

From the German side this battle is possibly involving Stab/JG 51 by the location. Hauptmann Joachim Müncheberg of Stab/JG 51 claimed an Il-2 (90) at 10:25 to the south southeast of Rzhev. Leutnant Hans Boos of Stab/JG 51 claimed an Il-2 (31) at 10:29 to the south of Rzhev.

Another 264 ShAD assault was intercepted this day but with no mission time. 6 Il-2 from 235 ShAP assaulted German artillery positions at 1 km northwest of Muruevo, Lunevo and northwest of Lunevo. They were intercepted by Bf 109s in the area. The Il-2 flown by Starshiy Serzhant Grigory Proshchaev was listed as missing but he would later return to his regiment. (Operational Report of the Staff 264 ShAD TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0059, l. 70 22.08.1942)

Feldwebel Walter Bracke of 8./JG 51 claimed an Il-2 (3) at 10:25 to the southeast of Zubtsov but it appears his claim was out of the area assaulted by 6 GShAP. Earlier in the morning the III./JG 51 had another two claims for Il-2’s in which Oberfeldwebel Emil Albrecht of 8./JG 51 claimed an Il-2 (1) at 07:32 and Gefr. Erich Holbein of 8./JG 51 claimed an Il-2 (4) at 07:32 to the southeast of Zubtsov.

From 13:50 – 15:44 (MT) 2 Yak-1 from 1 GIAP and 2 Yak-1 from 163 IAP led by Mayor Kukin engaged in a dogfight with 4 Bf 109. The Yak-1 from 1 GIAP flown by Leytenant Peresada was damaged and the wounded pilot made an emergency landing at Glebovo. (Operational Report of the Staff 210 IAD 22.08.1942)

There is no matching claim in German records for this time and location.

23 August 1942
The 256 IAD was covering the Volga River crossings for the Soviet forces in the area of Rzhev. At 07:37 – 08:16 (MT) took off 6 I-16 from 728 IAP led by Mladshiy Leytenant Mikhail Baranov to cover the Volga River in the area of Gorshkovo. At 07:47 (MT) at an altitude of 1500 m, they engaged in an air battle with 18 Bf 109 and claimed a probable shoot down of a Me-109 but did not observe the crash. The Soviets suffered the loss of the I-16 flown by Serzhant Vasiliy Yerokhin reported killed and the I-16 of Serzhant Viktor Glazov as missing at Gorshkovo. (Operational Report of the Staff 256 IAD TsAMO f. 311, o. 4495, d. 57, l. 113 23 August 1942)

From the German side in this battle were the Bf 109s of I./JG 54. The victors were Oberfeldwebel Rudolf Rademacher of 3./JG 54 claiming an I-16 (17) at 06:25 at an altitude of 300 m and Feldwebel Peter Siegler of 3./JG 54 claiming an I-16 (28) at 06:50 at an altitude of 700 m in the area of Rzhev.

From 11:35 – 12:11 (MT) 4 I-16 from 728 IAP led by Starshiy Leytenant Nikolay Ignat’ev covered the Volga River crossings at Golyshkino – Varkshino. At an altitude of 1500 m, they became involved in a dogfight with 8 Bf 109 with no results. (Operational Report of the Staff 256 IAD, 23 August 1942)

Further to the south from the Rzhev sector, another part of the Soviet Offensive raged in the area assigned to the Soviet 1 VA. The 201 IAD had Soviet fighters covering the area along the Oka River. From 12:50 – 13:45 (MT) took off for patrol 2 Yak-1 from 519 IAP, 1 Yak-1 from 122 IAP and 1 Yak-1 from 201 IAD. In the area of Belyev (Belyov), they engaged in a dogfight with 6 Bf 109. As a result of which was shot down the Yak-1 (# 1484) from 519 IAP flown by Serzhant Vadim Nazarenko to the west of Belyev, who perished. Also shot down was Yak-1 (# 0844) from 122 IAP flown by the regiment commander Mayor Georgiy Bayandin, who was wounded and made an emergency landing to the north of Belyev and was rushed to the hospital.

The only clear German unit for this battle is found in the ranks of II./JG 54. Feldwebel Heinrich Wefers of 4./JG 54 claimed a Yak-1 (34) at 12:32 at an altitude of 3000 m and another Yak-1 (35) at 12:33 with no height given, both in the approximate area of Belyev.

From 15:30 – 16:25 (MT) 5 I-16 from 728 IAP led by Starshiy Leytenant Nikolay Ignat’ev once again cover the same location but had no contact with German fighters. (Operational Report of the Staff 256 IAD, 23 August 1942)

24 August 1942
In the area in front of the German trenches at Rzhev this morning was launched a major attack by the Soviet 30th Army. After a 30 minute Soviet artillery barrage, Soviet infantry sprang forward with Soviet tanks moving forward to crush the German trenches and resistance. German artillery fired on the Soviet infantry with merciless fire and as the tanks were nearing the trenches, another plague descended on them. A description of what occurred is written by B. S. Gorbachevsky of the Soviet 215th Rifle Division: “Suddenly stuka dive bombers appear above the battlefield from the direction of Rzhev. Confidently and imprudently they head straight for the tanks. One tank… a second… a third explodes from direct attacks, turning into large black-and-crimson bonfires, but the remaining tanks, quickly dispersing, continue to advance on their objective. The bombers are flying in flights. The lead plane, turning on its siren, gracefully goes into a dive and, having released its bomb on its target, soars skyward again. After it, in single file, dives a second, a third, a fourth… a tenth, forming a unique carousel above the hastily scattering tanks. The bloody feast of the vultures, occurring in eyesight of the charging soldiers, causes a commotion: Where are our fighters – why haven’t they arrived to protect the tanks and infantry?” (The Rzhev Slaughterhouse by Svetlana Gerasimova)

At 04:59 – 05:55 (MT) the Shturmoviks of 6 GShAP attacked German artillery positions in the areas of Arkharovo, Turbaevo, Peryutino and Khoroshevo at an altitude of 800 – 100 m but would suffer no losses. (Operational Report of the Staff 264 ShAD 24.08.1942 TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0059, l. 72)

From 05:00 – 06:20 (MT) the 209 IAD had 8 LaGG-3 covering the Soviet aviation and forces in the area of Rzhev. At least 3 groups of Pe-2 bombers were covered. (Journal of Combat Operations 3 VA page 151 TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0071, l. )

At 05:00 – 06:10 (MT) 11 Il-2 from 685 ShAP went to attack the German artillery in the areas of Znamenokoe and Grishina. The targets were attacked at 05:35 and the Il-2 of Leytenant Filippov was listed as missing afterwards. (Operational Report of the Staff 212 ShAD 24.08.1942 TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0054, l. 171 )

From 05:12 – 06:24 (MT) 8 Yak-1 from 1 GIAP led by Starshiy Leytenant Zhukov escort Il-2 to the area of Grishino and Turbaevo. In the area of Turbaevo at an altitude of 400 m, Leytenant Arkadiy Grebenov claimed a Hs-126 (8) that was on a course of 360 degrees. (Operational Report of the Staff 210 IAD 24.08.1942 TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0051, l. 103)

At 05:20 – 06:05 (MT) 5 Il-2 from 671 ShAP went to attack German positions at Dobraya. At 05:36 (MT) at an altitude of 600 – 150 m facing German antiaircraft fire they attacked. A second group of 4 Il-2 from 671 ShAP at an altitude of 5 -10 m attacked to the south of Lepetikha. The Il-2 flown by Mladshiy Leytenant Zelenko was listed as missing after the attack. (Operational Report of the Staff 212 ShAD 24.08.1942)

At 08:30 (MT) 2 Il-2 from 6 GShAP attacked German targets at 3 km to the north of Madvedevo. Two Bf 109 engaged them and they shot down a Me-109. They were then engaged by 8 Bf 109. Il-2 (# 9217) flown by Starshiy Serzhant Pavlov was able to make an emergency landing at the airfield at Klimovo with a damaged engine. The Il-2 (# 4717) flown by Starshiy Serzhant Kulikov was listed as missing. (Operational Report of the Staff 264 ShAD)

From the German side this was possibly the IV./JG 51. Oberfeldwebel Heinz Klöpper of 11./JG 51 claimed an Il-2 (64) at 07:30 at 3 km southeast of Rzhev. Unteroffizier Kurt Tanzer of 12./JG 51 claimed an Il-2 (3) at 07:40 to the southeast of Dobraya. There were no losses for IV./JG 51 this day.

From 07:50 – 09:00 (MT) another Shturmovik raid was made by 6 GShAP against German artillery positions in the areas of Arkharovo, Turbaevo, Peryutino and Khoroshevo. They suffered no losses.(Operational Report of the Staff 264 ShAD)

From 08:07 – 09:06 (MT) 9 Il-2 from 685 ShAP assaulted their targets in the areas of Avramovo and Tolotikovo at an altitude of 700 – 200 m at 08:30 (MT). They suffered no losses. (Operational Report of the Staff 212 ShAD)

From 08:25 – 09:25 (MT) the 210 IAD had its fighters in the area of Rzhev cover Soviet forces and aircraft in this area with 9 Yak-1 from 1 GIAP led by Guards Starshiy Leytenant Sergey Zhuykov. At an altitude of 1200 m they encountered 2 Bf 109 head on and then engaged 4 more Bf 109. The only loss was during landing the Yak-1 of pilot Chayka deviated to the left and crashed into the forest. Result was a damaged aircraft. (Kirche)

From the German side there was a dogfight involving IV./JG 51. Oberleutnant Adolf Borcher of 11./JG 51 claimed a LaGG-3 (29) at 07:50 at an altitude of 500 m in the area to the south of Rzhev.

From 09:14 – 10:05 (MT) 5 I-16 from 728 IAP led by Mladshiy Leytenant Nikolay Ignat’ev covered the area of Kolesnikovo and Polunino. They engaged in battle with 4 Bf 109 at an altitude of 2300 m that then left to German territory with no results. (Operational Report of the Staff 256 IAD TsAMO f. 311, o. 4495, d. 57, l. 114 24.08.1942 and Journal of Combat Operations 3 VA TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0071, l. 1 page 151)

From 10:00 – 11:00 (MT) 5 LaGG-3 from 21 IAP at an altitude of 2000 m to the north of Rzhev intercepted 9 Ju 88 and 8 Bf 109. Serzhant Ivan Borodin reported damaging a Ju-88. Leytenant Petr Shemendyuk claimed a Me-109 (6), that fell 5 km to the north of Rzhev. Starshina Mikhail Shustrov claimed a Ju-88 (2) and would be awarded the Order of the Red Star. The Bf 109 escorts then attacked the 5 LaGG-3 from the rear. The LaGG-3 (# 3460) flown by Kapitan Vladimir Bobrov was damaged and he was wounded in the leg. The LaGG-3 (# 3338) flown by Starshina Mikhail Shustrov was also damaged. The LaGG-3 (# 3341) flown by Serzhant Ivan Borodin was also damaged. Also damaged was the LaGG-3 (# 3079) flown by Leytenant Petr Shemendyuk was also damaged. All the LaGG-3 had to be sent to a repair shop. (Journal of Combat Operations of the 21 IAP TsAMO f. 22020, o. 0445247, d. 0006, l. 1 page 69)

From 10:53 – 11:28 (MT) 5 I-16s from728 IAP led by Mladshiy Leytenant Mikhail Baranov covered Kolesnikovo and Polunino. At 11:05 (MT) at an altitude of 1500 m they engaged 4 Ju 88 and 4 Bf 109. They suffered no losses and made no claims. (Operational Report of the Staff 256 IAD)

From 12:33 – 13:30 (MT) 5 I-16 from 728 IAP led by Starshiy Leytenant Nikolay Ignat’ev covered Kolesnikov and Polunino. At 11:05 (MT) at an altitude of 1500 m they engaged in an air battle with 10 Bf 109. Starshiy Leytenant Ignat’ev claimed a Me-109 at 1 km west of Rzhev but seems to have been denied. At 12:55 (MT) Ignat’ev at an altitude of 1800 m engaged 8 Ju 88. Ignat’ev claimed 1 Ju 88 that fell 10 km southwest of Zubtsov but again does not appear on his score. They then as a group damaged a Ju-88. (Operational Report of the Staff 256 IAD)

From 13:25 – 14:28 (MT) 4 LaGG-3 from 21 IAP in the area of Murylevo at an altitude of 2500 m engaged 8 Ju 87 and 6 Bf 109. Kapitan Konstantin Razoreno claimed a Me-109 at Svinbino and Viktor Semenov’s LaGG-3 damaged a Ju-87. (Journal of Combat Operations 21 IAP page 69)

From 13:48 – 14:35 (MT) 5 Yak-1 from 163 IAP led by Starshiy Leytenant Ivan Zudilov escorted Soviet aircraft in the area to the northeast of Zelenkino. In the area of Rzhev at 14:0o (MT) at an altitude of 3000 m they engaged in a dogfight with 6 Bf 109. Starshiy Leytenant Zudilov claimed a Me-109 (15) at Rzhev. Leytenant Ivan Sharoyko claimed a Me-109 (7) at Rzhev (Operational Report of the Staff 210 IAD)

From 16:12 – 17:03 (MT) 6 Il-2 from 685 ShAP at an altitude of 600 – 100 m assaulted German positions in the area of Lazarevo. They suffered no losses. (Operational Report of the Staff 212 ShAD)

From 16:15 – 17:20 (MT) 6 LaGG-3 from 5 GIAP were covering Soviet forces in the area of Rzhev. At 17:00 (MT) at an altitude of 2500 m they became engaged by 2 groups of 4 Bf 109 in which the German fighters pressed the Soviet fighters back to the airfield at Krasnoe before turning to the south. After leaving the area of Rzhev in the continuing fight Guards Kapitan Grigoriy Inyakin attacked from above rear with a distance of 150 – 50 m claiming a Me-109 (6) at Ramenye. In this struggle the LaGG-3 flown by Starshina Mikhail Mitrofanov was shot down at 3-4 km to the southeast of Krasnoye. Sent for repairs were 2 LaGG-3 because of battle damage. (Journal of Combat Operations 3 VA page 154)

From the German side this fight involved I./JG 54. On checking the losses of I./JG 54 there is no matching loss for the claim of Kapitan Inyakin. For the loss of Starshina Mitrofanov there is only one matching claim matching location and time. Oberleutnant Hans Götz of 1./JG 54 claimed aLaGG-3 (36) at 16:04 in the area to the southeast of Krasnoye.

From 17:20 – 17:55 (MT) 4 I-16 from 728 IAP led by Mladshiy Leytenant Mikhail Baranov covering Kolesnikovo and Polunino. At 17:40 (MT) at an altitude of 1500 m they engaged in an air battle with 10 Bf 109. They had no losses and no claims (Operational Report of the Staff 256 IAD)

At 17:20 (MT) 8 Il-2 from 451 ShAP attacked German targets in the area of Rzhev. The Il-2 (# 4613) flown by Serzhant Kirillov and Il-2 (# 1313) flown by Leytenant Sitaev were both listed as missing afterwards. (Operational Report of the Staff 264 ShAD)

From 18:45 – 19:38 (MT) 3 LaGG-3 from 21 IAP at 10 km northwest of Rzhev at an altitude of 1500 m intercepted two formations of 9 Ju 88 and 7 Ju 88. Leytenant Aleksandr Chigirin attacked claiming a Ju-88 and damaging 2 Ju-88. Starshina Nikolay Minaev claimed a Ju-88 at 10 km west of Rzhev and damaged 2 Ju-88. Viktor Semenov claimed a Ju-88 at 12 km southwest of Rzhev. (Journal of Combat Operations 21 IAP page 70)

At 18:50 (MT) 3 I-16 from 728 IAP led by Mladshiy Leytenant Mikhail Baranov were covering Soviet forces in the area of Rzhev. They observed approaching a formation of 50 Ju 88 and up to 10 escorting Bf 109. In the ensuing air battle Mladshiy Leytenant Mikhail Baranov claimed a Ju-88 (6) that fell 2 km to the west of Rzhev. Mladshiy Leytenant Boris Spirov claimed a Ju-88 that fell 2-3 km to the northeast of Kupino. Serzhant Sergey Lazarev claimed a Ju-88 but possibly was not confirmed to his score. (Journal of Combat Operations 3 VA page 154)

From 18:58 – 19:53 (MT) 6 Il-2 from 685 ShAP assaulted the roads in the areas of Murav’evo, Ovsyaniki, Tolotikovo and Afapas’evo at an altitude of 600 – 100 m at 19:30 (MT). The Il-2 of Sezhant Nemirovwas listed as missing afterwards. (Operational Report of the Staff 212 ShAD 24.08.1942)

From 19:25 – 20:33 (MT) 6 Yak-1 from 1 GIAP led by Leytenant Dmitrienko covered the area of Sektor #1, at an altitude of 1500 m to the northwest of Rzhev was observed 2 Bf 109. Leytenant Arkadiy Grebenev engaged them and claimed a Me-109 (9), which fell at Monchalovo. At this time from the side of the sun attacked Bf 109s and fought a 15 minute dogfight before leaving. At the southwest outskirts of Rzhev they encountered German antiaircraft fire in which was hit the Yak-1 of Bataillon Komissar Dranko, which in a damaged condition made an emergency landing at 4 km south of Lukovnikovo. (Operational Report of the Staff 210 IAD)

From the German side this was possibly I./JG 54. Oberfeldwebel Karl Fuchs at 2./JG 54 claimed a Yak-1 (30) at 18:40 to the north of Dobraya. No loss is found to confirm Leytenant Grebenev’s claim.

During the day the 527 BBAP of the 211 BBAD made raids in the area of Rzhev. The Pe-2 flown by Mladshiy Leytenant Koyudenko was hit by German antiaircraft fire over the target. He was able to make a emergency landing at Dmitrievskoe (12 km south of Torzhok). Also the Pe-2 flown by Mladshiy Leytenant Bedin with his crew disappeared with no known cause. (Operational Report of the Staff 211 BBAD 24.08.1942 TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0052, l. 102)

25 August 1942
From the Soviet 1 VA there was a loss of a Pe-2 from 261 BAP that listed two crewmen as missing.

A reconnaissance flight was conducted at 09:55 – 10:55 (MT), the Pe-2 (# 10/104) from 11 ORAP flown by Serzhant Nikolay Almakaev into the areas of Olenino, Mostovaya, Bely-Sychevka, Chertolino. At 10:15 (MT) a Bf 109 attacked Almakaev’s Pe-2 but failed to shoot it down in the area of K(?). No German claim was made for the attack.

From 15:55 -16:55 (MT) 6 Pe-2 from 128 BAP conducted a bombing raid on German positions in the area of Lazarevo. At 16:27 (MT) at an altitude of 2200 m they bombed the target. At 16:37 (MT) they were attacked by 4 Bf 109. The Pe-2 of Mladshiy Leytenant Grinchenko was shot down but came down in Soviet territory and the crew returned to their unit. (Journal of Combat Operations 128 BAP TsAMO f. 22302, o. 0216314, d. 00021, l. 4 page 219)

On examining the record of German claims there is no claim for this Pe-2.

A reconnaissance was ordered by Soviet command into the areas of Olenino – Mastovay – Bely – Sychevka – Chertolino. At 17:25 (MT) took off 2 Pe-2 from 11 ORAP to perform the mission. At 18:10 (MT) the Soviet reconnaissance-bombers were attacked by 6 Bf 109 at 6 km to the west of Rzhev. For the second time during the day the Pe-2 flown by Serzhant Almakaev was attacked but this time Pe-2 (# 10/104) went down in flames with the entire crew. The crash was observed in the area of Zelkovo by the surviving Pe-2, which landed at 18:25 (MT). The German side shows that Hauptmann Joachim Müncheberg of Stab/JG 51 claimed a Pe-2 (93) at 17:11 at an altitude of 1800 m to the north of Rzhev.

This was not the end of the story for Almakaev’s Pe-2 as the crash site was located. From the 9 – 13 December 2019 the excavation of the debris was made in the forest by Russian volunteer military archeologists in winter conditions in the area of Zel’kovo.

26 August 1942
From 09:05 – 10:10 (MT) a bombing raid was made by 4 Pe-2 from 128 BAP on German positions at Zelenichino. At 09:40 (MT) at an altitude of 3800 m the Soviet bombers bombed the target. They were reportedly attacked by a single Bf 109 and the Soviet gunners claimed to have it shot down. (Journal of Combat Operations 128 BAP TsAMO f. 22302, o. 0216314, d. 00021, l. 4 page 220)

On examining the German losses there is no corresponding loss of a Bf 109.

27 August 1942
The Staff of VVS 5th Army ordered covering combat mission to be flown by 162 SAP (later 162 IAP). At 12:10 (MT) to cover Soviet forces in the areas of Myasikovo, Popovo and Trisely from German bombers. Soviet pilots flew in pairs with the 1st made up of 1st AE commander Starshiy Leytenant Aleksandr Zakarov and his wingman Deputy AE commander Starshiy Leytenant A. А. Ivanov and 2nd pair was AE Navigator Starshiy Leytenant Leonid Savchenko-L’vovskiy and wingman section commander Leytenant A. Babrov. In the area of Sazhelka was spotted 8 Hs 126 spotters performing a bombing raid on Soviet forces at 12:20 (MT). The pair of Zakarov and Ivanov pounced on the German aircraft. As a result of their attack the 2nd pair confirmed that a Hs-126 went down burning to the southwest of Sazhelki. The Soviet fighters then found themselves involved in a dogfight with 2 Bf 109 in the area to the west of Nikol’skoye in which the German fighters went into the clouds. From the clouds, 2 Bf 109 dived to attack the pair of Yak-1 of Ivanov and Babrov. Between 12:45 – 12:50 (MT) the battle raged and Starshiy Leytenant Ivanov ended up with Leytenant Babrov as his wingman. Ivano took his Yak-1 into the clouds and lost contact with Babrov who was wounded in the left leg. He was able to bring his Yak-1 down in the area of Dor, were the aircraft burned but Babrov survived. The battle then moved to the pair of Starshiy Leytenant Zakarov and Starshiy Leytenant Savchenko-L’vovskiy in which a head-on attack was made against 2 Bf 109. Savchenko-L’vovskiy’s Yak-1 was reported to have performed a Taran on a Me-109, which fell on German territory in the area of Peski according to Soviet ground forces. Starshiy Leytenant Zakarov then shot down a Me-109, which fell in the area of Makhitino and was confirmed by Soviet ground forces. Zakarov’s Yak-1 was then attacked by 3 Bf 109 and was shot down near the village of Sazhelka. The fighter crashed and burned with the dead pilot. The Yak-1 flown by Savchenko-L’vovskiy was found in 2015 in the area of Makhitino. (Kirche)

From the German side the victors were from I./JG 54 in this battle. Oberleutnant Hans Götz of 1./JG 54 claimed a Yak-1 (41) at 11:44 at an altitude of 2500 m in the area to the southwest of Korshikovo. Unteroffizier Hans-Joachim Kroschinski of 2./JG 54 claimed a Yak-1 (3) at 11:48 at an altitude of 2000 m in the area to the southwest of Voskresenskoe. Oberleutnant Götz claimed another Yak-1 (42) at 11:55 at an altitude of 1000 m to the the southeast of Arzhanki. No actual losses of Bf 109s can be confirmed as lost in German records.

The Soviet 3 VA command dispatched a Shturmovik raid against the German airfield to the northeast at “State Farm Dugino” this day. The 212 ShAD sent 5 Il-2 from the 685 ShAP who met up with their fighter escort at 14:54 (MT). This consisted of 5 Yak-1 from the 1 GIAP led by Starshiy Leytenant Sergey Zhuykov and 4 Yak-1 from the 163 IAP led by Starshiy Leytenant Ivan Zudilov. As the Soviet aircraft traveled to their target, they observed a Hs 126 traveling in the opposite direction. This would be probably be a reason for the reception that they met. The Soviet pilots reported being intercepted by 16 Bf 109 as they traveled to the target. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0051, l. 106 Operational Report of the Staff 210 IAD)

The Germans had Bf 109s from III/JG 51, I/JG 52 and I/JG 54 pounce on the Soviet aircraft as they moved to the target. The Soviet fighters were distracted from escorting their charges by I./JG 52 and I./JG 54 struck the Il-2s. Feldwebel Peter Siegler of 3./JG 54 shot down an Il-2 (34) at 14:22 at an altitude of 800 m at 10 km east of Dugino and followed with another Il-2 (35) at 14:23 at an altitude of 500 m at 6 km east of Dugino. The Soviet fighters felt their first loss as Feldwebel Rudolf Trenkel of 2./JG 52 shot down a LaGG-3 (7) at 14:23 at an altitude of 800 m at 17 km east northeast of Dugino. The JG 52 pilots then attacked the Il-2s. Hauptmann Helmut Bennemann of Stab I/JG 52 shot down an Il-2 (48) at 14:24 at tiefflug at 17 km east of Dugino and at the same time Unteroffizier Gerhard Hübner of 2./JG 52 shot down an Il-2 (10) at 14:24 at teifflug at 17 km east of Dugino. The Shturmoviks were then attacked by JG 51. Gefreiter Erich Hobein of 8./JG 51 shot down an Il-2 (6) at 14:25 at teifflug at 12 km northeast of Dugino. Again the Soviet fighters suffered another loss, this time to Feldwebel Karl Hammerl of 1./JG 52 shot down a LaGG-3 (52) at 14:28 at an altitude of 20 m at 32 km east of Dugino. Again the Shturmoviks were attacked, this time Unteroffizier Otto Würfel of 9./JG 51 reported shooting down an Il-2 (1) at 14:30.

As the Soviet aircraft reached the airfield, they also met German flak. The Soviet fighters still engaged in a dogfight suffered another loss. Oberfeldwebel Berthold Grassmuck of 1./JG 52 shot down a LaGG-3 (61) at 14:30 at an altitude of 500 mat 35 km east of Dugino. The last Il-2 claim was made by Hauptmann Hans Oehlschläger of Stab I/JG 52 shooting down an Il-2 (2) at 14:37 at teifflug at 32 km east of Dugino.

The Soviet fighter pilots stated that they observed an Il-2 go down to German flak but it seems that the Germans would have denied one of the claims if it had occurred. As for the actual Soviet losses on the Soviet fighters making their landing at 16:10 (MT) missing were 3 Yak-1: Starshiy Leytenant Sergey Zhuykov from 1 GIAP, Starshiy Leytenant Ivan Sharoyko from 163 IAP (Sharoyko had 8 victories and 2 group victories at this time) and Starshiy Leytenant Sergey Kotyuko (Kotyuko would return in 1945 from a German POW camp). The Soviet fighter pilots claimed to have shot down 2 Me-109 and damaged another Me-109, actually there were no Bf 109 losses.

The Soviet Shturmoviks suffered nearly a total loss in this raid with 4 Il-2 missing and one that was so damaged from flak and attacks from Bf 109 it was sent to be repaired. Missing were Il-2 (# 30672) Mladshiy Leytenant Aleksandr Belyakov, Il-2 (# 1874218) Mladshiy Leytenant Mikhail Vladimirov, Il-2 (# 30419) Starshiy Leytenant Stepan Isupov and Il-2 (# 1875318) Leytenant Ivan Radchenko (Radchenko would return from a POW camp in 1945). The Il-2 piloted by Starshina Dol’nikov returned his Il-2 to Soviet territory and landed on the frame, having been hit by German flak and finally by Bf 109s before escaping into the clouds. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0054, l. 180 Operational Report of the Staff of the 212 ShAD)

There was one further claim made by Feldwebel Peter Siegler of 3./JG 54 for an Il-2 (36) at 14:33 at an altitude of 800 m at 28 km west of Rzhev. This was far to the northwest of Dugino over Soviet territory but there is no way to connect this claim.

28 August 1942
Without much in details in the early morning the Yak-1s from 1 GIAP were providing cover to Soviet ground forces to the north of Rzhev. The Yak-1 of Serzhant Ivan Nuyatov was shot down by Bf 109 at Kievo (15 km to the north of Rzhev), his parachute failed and he died on impact. Apparently, the bad luck for this regiment wasn’t over as the Yak-1 of Leytenant Ivan Iikhonov was shot down on the return to base by a Bf 109.

From the German side only two possible matches emerge. For Serzhant Nuyatov there is Leutnant Hans Beisswenger of 6./JG 54 claiming a Yak-1 (95) at 05:10 in the area of his loss. As for Leytenant Iikhonev there is the claim by Unteroffizier Hans Pomberger of 5./JG 54 claiming an I-180 (3) at 06:10. (TsAMO f. 311. O. 0004495, d. 0051, l. 107 Operational Report of the Staff 210 IAD)

From 06:47 – 07:20 (MT) 5 I-16 from 728 IAP led by Mladshiy Leytenant Anatoliy Tomil’chenko covered Soviet forces in the areas of Kolesnikovo – Polunino – Zubtsov. At 06:55 in the area of Polunino at an altitude of 1500 m they were attacked by 6 Bf 109 and then left. After 5 minutes the Soviet pilots were attacked by 12 Bf 109. In the ensuing fight, Mladshiy Leytenant Tomil’chenko claimed a Me-109 which fell in the area of Zelenkino. In the battle was lost the I-16 of Mladshiy Leytenant Mikhailov that fell 4 km northwest of Rzhev and the I-16 of Serzhant Korolov was listed as missing. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 4495, d. 57, l. 121 Operational Report of the Staff 256 IAD)

From the German side, Oberfeldwebel Berthold Grassmuck of 1./JG 52 claimed an I-16 (62) at 06:00. Leutnant Friedrich-Karl Bachmann of 1./JG 52 claimed a R-5 (31) at 06:10, so Bachmann’s biplane victor could hardly be mistaken as a monoplane. This leaves a mystery for the second 728 IAP loss.

From 12:03 – 12:55 (MT) 4 I-16 from 728 IAP was led by Mikhail Baranov to cover Soviet forces in the areas of Kolesnikovo – Polunino – Zubtsov. At an altitude of 1500 m in the area of Lazarevo – Red’kino an air battle took place with 6 Bf 109 that ended without results. On returning the I-16 of Serzhant Kozlov was forced to land on the frame, which wrecked the aircraft and injured the pilot.

From 12:15 – 12:55 (MT) 3 Yak-7 from 728 IAP led by Kupin in the areas of Red’kino – Znamenskov at an altitude of 3000 m met 2 Bf 109 in battle. With the 1st attack Mladshiy Leytenant Borovykh claimed a Me-109 which fell in the area of Lazarevo – Kovynevo. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 4495, d. 57, l. 121 Operational Report of the Staff 256 IAD)

From 14:20 – 15:43 (MT) 4 Yak-1 from 1 GIAP and 2 Yak-1 from 163 IAP led by Starshiy Leytenant Ivan Zudilov patrolled in the area of Dobraya – Povolozh’e – Timofeyevo. In this area they intercepted 20 Ju 88 under escort of 7 Bf 109. In the area of Santalovo, Starshiy Leytenant Zudilov of 1 GIAP was reported to have shot down a Ju-88 (18) but in Mikhail Bykov’s book it was listed as a Me-109. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 0004495, d. 0051, l. 107 Operational Report of the Staff 210 IAD)

From 19:25 – 21:50 (MT) 6 Yak-7 and 3 I-16 from 728 IAP led by Bakhalov in the area of Timefeyevo – Lazarevo at an altitude of 2500 m met in battle with 8 Bf 109. In this battle Mladshiy Leytenant Borovykh claimed a Me-109 and Mladshiy Leytenant Tomil’chenko claimed a Me-109 that fell 5 km to the west of Rzhev. (TsAMO f. 311, o. 4495, d. 57, l. 121 Operational Report of the Staff 256 IAD)

From the German side in this sector of the front there was only one Bf 109 loss. According to Prien’s work on this day in an air battle was lost Bf 109 F-2 (# 9592) from 12./JG 51 because of engine failure that resulted in 100% damage. The pilot is not listed but the area of loss is clearly in Soviet territory to the northwest of Staritsa, so possibly some kind of rescue took place.

31 August 1942
Hauptmann Dietrich Hrabak’s II./JG 54 is withdrawal from its airfield serving on the Army Group Center Front at Dugino and flies back to the airfield at Rel’bitsy.

4 September 1942
The Operational Reports of the Staff 3 VA reported no losses for this day by their units in the air war.

9 September 1942
From 17:32 – 18:50 (MT) the Pe-2s from 128 BAP bombed German positions in the area of Bolkovamsk (to the south of Rzhev). At 18:10 (MT) at an altitude of 2100 m they bombed their target and turned for Soviet territory. At 18:14 (MT) became involved in a air battle with 3 Bf 109 at an altitude of 2000 m and fired on by German antiaircraft fire. The Pe-2 flown by Mladshiy Leytenant Grinchenk was damaged and came down for a forced landing in Soviet territory. (Journal of Combat Operations 128 BAP TsAMO f. 22302, o. 0216314, d. 000, l. 4 page 229)

On the German side there is no corresponding claim from the German fighters and so it is possible that this bomber was brought down by antiaircraft fire.

11 September 1942
I./JG 52 was involved in a dogfight with Soviet I-153 fighters in the area of Zubtsov. Unteroffizier Hermann Kübler of 3./JG 52 claimed an I-153 (2) at 16:09 at PlQu.47884. He was followed by Leutnant Rudolf Miethig of 3./JG 52 claiming an I-153 (29) at 16:13 at PlQu. 47882.

Shortly after this time, Unteroffizier Kübler would meet his final aerial combat and be listed as missing, after a dogfight in the area of Zubtsov. From the Soviet side, at 15:00 (MT) there was a battle with the Yak-7Bs of the 66 IAP in which Starshina Aleksey Latyshev rammed his Yak-7B (# 2291) into possibly Kübler’s Bf 109 G-2 Werk. Number 13 497 resulting in 100% damage and Kübler being listed as missing. Starshina Latyshev escaped his fighter with a parachute to the south of Koptevo and returned to his regiment on the 12 September. His feat was witnessed by eight pilots of the 66 IAP for which he was awarded the Order of the Red Star for 2 personal victories and three group victories.

13 September 1942
From 07:20 – 08:30 (MT) Soviet Pe-2 bombers were sent to bomb German positions at Tablino. At 07:58 (MT) at an altitude of 1750 m Soviet Pe-2 bombers from 1 and 2 AE 128 BAP bombed the positions of German forces. After performing the mission the Pe-2 flown by Starshiy Serzhant Pavel Bezhin was attacked by a Bf 109. The Pe-2 with pilot and crew crashed burning to the ground in Soviet territory. (Journal of Combat Operations 128 BAP TsAMO f. 22302, o. 0216314, d. 0001, l. 4 page 233)

On the German side the interception is found with Stab/JG 51. Hauptmann Joachim Müncheberg of Stab/JG 51 claimed a Pe-2 (107) at 06:07 at 8 km east southeast of Rzhev.

22 September 1942
While conducting a reconnaissance the Pe-2 ((# 15/83) from 2 ORAP of Starshiy Leytenant Ivan Svistunov fell from the sky, after being shot down by German antiaircraft artillery in the area of Gorodishche (Kirche).

Sources:

Alarmstart East: The German Fighter Pilot’s Experience on the Eastern Front 1941-1945, By Patrick G. Eriksson, 2018 Amberley Publishing, Gloucestershire, UK
Black Cross/Red Star: Air War Over the Eastern Front volume 3 Everything for Stalingrad by Christer Bergström, Andrey Dikov and Vlad Antipov (Illusrated by Claes Sundin), 2006 Eagles Edition Ltd.
Die Jagdfliegerverbände der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1934 bis 1945
Teil 9/II and Teil 9/III Vom Sommerfeldzug 1942 bis zur Niederlage von Stalingrad 1.5.1942 bis 3.2.1943, By Jochen Prien, Gerhard Stemmer, Peter Rodeike and Winfried Bock, 2005 (Teil 9/II) and 2006 (Teil 9/III) Struve’s Buchruckerei und Verlag (German text)
Советские Асы 1941 – 1945 Победы Сталинских Сокодов (Soviet Aces 1941 – 1945 Victories of Stalin’s Falcons) By Mikhail Bykov, Москва «Яуза» «Эксмо» 2008 (Russian text)