BRITISH AIRMEN IN RUSSIA

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 299, 15 September 1941, Page 7

BRITISH AIRMEN IN RUSSIA

RA.F. Unit Arrives OTHER MACHINES IN ACTION (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) LONDON, Sept. 14. It is officially announced that a complete Royal Air Force unit, has arrived in Russia. It consists of an R.A.F. wing fully equipped with machines, pilots and ground staff. The number of squadrons which go to make up the wing is not disclosed. The announcement follows hard on the heels of increased aid to Russia. The Minister of Labour, Mr. Bevin, spoke about this during the weekend, remarking: “The British Government is going to strive like the devil to supply Russia with all her needs.'’ It is reported from Stockholm that British fighters manned by Russians have participated in the air battles in the Leningrad zone since September 11 and have been extremely successful in combating dive-bombers. The well-known writer, Mr. J. L. Garvin, wrote recently: "Russia is i n urgent, perhaps fateful, need of all the arms we can send. We must send till it hurts.” Prompt Early Action. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare, Mr. Dingle Foot, yesterday revealed that Britain had anticipated Russian needs. A close study had been made of the probable requirements before the German invasion, and when the first call for help came Britain was able to answer it promptly. . . The British military mission left for Moscow on June 25, three days after the start of the invasion, and four days later a telegram was received stating the principal commodities urgentlj needed. Within a week cargoes had been made up and were on their way to Russiff. In spite of transport difficulties, he said, substantial supplies had already arrived in Russian ports and more were on their way. A shipment ot medical supplies for Russia was now being assembled in the United States. The American Red Cross has announced that a delegation will be sent to Russia within a few days to study the country’s most urgent needs.