A continuation of previous -'Pro-Axis' threads, this one follows on from the last Pro-Axis Britain what aircraft etc.
As per the last post:-
RAF contingent arrived in Finland in mid April 1941, some by air others in transports to be re-assembled.
Fighters - 2 Wings of Spitfire IIs and one wing of Spitfire Vb;.
Twin engine fighters - a Wing of Westland Whirlwinds (could these have been re-engine with HS-12y for reliability - how do the sizes compare?), for long range escort + fighter/bomber.
One Squadron of night-fighter Beaufighters. two Squadrons of ground-attack Beaufighters.
Bombers - two wings of Wellington, and one of Halifax
Coastal Command composite group - two Squadrons of Beauforts, one of Wellington (adapted to carry torpedoes), and two Squadrons of Beaufighters
Transport & Liaison - Two Squadrons of Bristol Bombay and one of Westland Lysander, with the expectation that converted Stirlings would soon follow if needed.
The morale of the RAF contingent is quite high, they have a respect for the Finns with how they coped during the Winter War. This enabled them to accept 'lessons learned' more so than if the same comments had come from the Luftwaffe, e.g. the 'finger four' formation. Although, in the field accommodation was spartan - certainly a contrast to southern England, they coped - though perhaps some were envious of the French in warmer Hungary. Some were puzzled why they didn't return when the exercises ended, but others took more notice of other omens, and prepared themselves for what was to come.
en.wikipedia.org
It can be seen that the RAF are superior to the aircraft available to Finland, so how much of a difference would their presence make when war again breaks out between the Finns and the Russians, perhaps the RAF isn't involved straight away, but after a Russian attack on a British merchant ship by Soviet bombers - all bets are off!
As per the last post:-
RAF contingent arrived in Finland in mid April 1941, some by air others in transports to be re-assembled.
Fighters - 2 Wings of Spitfire IIs and one wing of Spitfire Vb;.
Twin engine fighters - a Wing of Westland Whirlwinds (could these have been re-engine with HS-12y for reliability - how do the sizes compare?), for long range escort + fighter/bomber.
One Squadron of night-fighter Beaufighters. two Squadrons of ground-attack Beaufighters.
Bombers - two wings of Wellington, and one of Halifax
Coastal Command composite group - two Squadrons of Beauforts, one of Wellington (adapted to carry torpedoes), and two Squadrons of Beaufighters
Transport & Liaison - Two Squadrons of Bristol Bombay and one of Westland Lysander, with the expectation that converted Stirlings would soon follow if needed.
The morale of the RAF contingent is quite high, they have a respect for the Finns with how they coped during the Winter War. This enabled them to accept 'lessons learned' more so than if the same comments had come from the Luftwaffe, e.g. the 'finger four' formation. Although, in the field accommodation was spartan - certainly a contrast to southern England, they coped - though perhaps some were envious of the French in warmer Hungary. Some were puzzled why they didn't return when the exercises ended, but others took more notice of other omens, and prepared themselves for what was to come.
Finnish Air Force - Wikipedia
It can be seen that the RAF are superior to the aircraft available to Finland, so how much of a difference would their presence make when war again breaks out between the Finns and the Russians, perhaps the RAF isn't involved straight away, but after a Russian attack on a British merchant ship by Soviet bombers - all bets are off!