[caldrail]

10:00 hrs, 2nd September 1941, Vayenga Airfield

When the briefing was announced, both Phelps and I glanced at each other as we saw the trainee Russians joining us. The British Army was still encamped south of the field, and the expected counter-offensive had still to be confirmed. Was it finally today?

"It would be about time. The Germans are calling all the shots." I said as the aircrew gathered noisily in the open air, a large blackboard propped up on oil drums..

Phelps nodded, then said ruefully "The problem is the Russian commander-in-chief. What's his name? Kuznetsov? He's our biggest obstacle, you mark my words."

We were to be disappointed. Once again it was mundane patrols and defensive flying. What was the delay? The Russian pilots with 134 Squadron were getting their first taste of operations in Hurricanes today. The fighting at Ura Guba continued and the VVS were launching support raids. The more experienced Russian would escort them in.

I caught a glimpse of our friend with the walking stick. When it came to questions, Ivanov was asking them. Kuklev was looking a little flustered, Sergeyev glanced nervously in our direction. Was he talking about us?

Flight Sergeant Darnell leaned over my shoulder and whispered "I say Sir, my Russian isn't very good, but I do believe that was a disparaging remark."

"As you were Sergeant." I cautioned him, though in all honesty it was hard not to reach the same conclusion. With the briefing concluded the aircrew dispersed. The lads gathered and we couldn't help but notice the glances the Russians were giving us.

"Gentlemen." I said, "Our recent losses have not made a good impression. I want you all to know that regardless of the damage done by Jerry, we have responded as well as we can. I believe there's a fine bunch of men here, and no matter what's said, I'll support each and every one of you in the coming battles. We've beaten the Luftwaffe before, we can do so again. As for the Russians, we're under orders to get along with them, and we will. There will be no unpleasantness. Is that understood?"

A chorus of positive replies ensued. Once we'd returned to the dispersal it was clear the Russians hadn't even assigned us a patrol. I was beginning to grit my teeth when the adjutant leaned out the window. "Sir! Formation of Heinkels reported west of Kilpyavr."

The Germans were certainly determined to wipe that field off the map. No matter. I ordered the flight to get airborne. If we didn't press home the attack now, the loss of During would be forgotten by the German pilots. The lads responded eagerly, running out to their planes.

We took off in clear weather. As the ground began to drop away, I saw Kuklev's transport planes lined up by their tents. They hadn't moved since our escort job some days ago. Behind me, Ivanov and his Russian pilots were powering up for their take off runs.

Once we reache Kilpyavr the incoming bombers were easy to spot. "All right everybody." I called, "There's the Heinkels. Watch out for fighters and remember Jerry won't play fair."

As we closed in the German escorts came into sight behind the bomber formation. This was a huge gamble. I ordered the flight to attack the fighters - we'd have to anyway. My wingman and I took up position on the right and we went for the two 109's heading our way. The first went high and past me without worry. His wingman hoped to get an early kill. I fired at haim as we closed head-on. He too went high. Smoke? His Messerschmitt bursts into flame. It goes over me like a burning comet.



I make a climbing turn and settle on another 109. He sees me as I give chase to him. I fire... Debris comes off him. Fire again... I can't tell if I hit him or not. Then he pulls up to gain height and I cut inside his turn. He's almost stationary in my sights. Fire! Got him! He wings over and begins a corkscrew dive. Immediately I follow. That German is pulling a very tight turn in the descent. I can barely keep with him. He's getting very low. Is he pulling out? No, he isn't. His plane noses into the forest and an explosion marks his passing.

I pull up and try to gain height, suprised by the tracer from behind. My wingman warns me of a bandit at seven o'clock. There's nothing for it but to barrel-roll upward. Before I run out of speed I pull the Hurricane through the top and roll erect. The 109 is gone, literally, as my wingman takes him down.

The other flight members are out of sight, and the enemy fighters with them. I head back to Kilpyavr but where-ever the Heinkels went, it wasn't there. Wyatt and Darnell reappear shortly afterward. One Messerschmitt got away, Darnell got the other. We're all elated by our success today.

After landing we found out the Germans had hit Vayenga. One Heinkel was shot down by flak into the river, the others escaping north of us. The Russian attack had been uneventful. One got the feeling Ivanov was feeling thwarted, especially when he heard I'd shot down two Bf109's.