Tanks and airplanes used by UPA

[Askold]

Its not widely known, but unlike any other partizan army, Ukrainian Insurgent Army had in its possession few tanks and even ariplanes. Through my research I came across the following figures; 4 T-34 tanks, 1-T-35 heavy tank and there is at least one mention of a self made armored car (made from a tractor). The Soviet archives also mention that in fighting with UPA they captured two U-2 planes and one german Fizelier Storch. During an attack on a airbase UPA also siezed another german war plane. The plane was taken apart and re-assembled back in the forest. It was painted out with Ukrainian insignia and flown for its first and last mission. After a recon flight it was taken apart again and left due to fuel shortages. For additional recon missions UPA also used gliders.

Here's few photos to share:

Heavy tank "Stefan Bandera" afte being hit. Source: Concord 7012 "Stalin's Heavy Tanks"



German plane used by UPA. Source: Michael Melnyk



Gliders. Source: Kyiv KGB archive photos

[Paul kyre]

are there any pictures of these? im curious about these planes, tanks, and motorized infantry of the ukrainian national army.

[faf_476]

are there any pictures of these? im curious about these planes, tanks, and motorized infantry of the ukrainian national army.

I hope this pages will help you:

http://www.armchairgeneral.com/forums/a ... f-135.html
http://www.infoukes.com/history/ww2/
http://www.infoukes.com/history/ww2/page-19.html

[Askold]

The pictures I posted are the only ones so far....Further research up to now showed that UPA also had two German medium tanks. One was catpured during an ambush and since there were drives among the unit that captured it, the tank was re-fitted and driven off into the forest. This info can be found in UPA chronicles (Hronika UPA).

[faf_476]

Well, if that so, thanks anyway.

[Paul kyre]

i think most of the officers who had used these equipment are now in the ukrainian army.

[Stephan]

A lot of this taken equipment was seemingly german.

Does it mean UPA fighted also against germans as long germans were there?


I mean, they become known for fighting against the Poles and their allies sovjet-Russians.

(Im not ironic, I know little about UPA and that I know is retelled from the polish side. I wouldnt be the least surprised if these "thruths" are only partly thrue).

[Petro]

Actually most people know very little about the UPA.
Yes, the UPA fought the Germans starting from the end of 1942. But it must be said that at that time the Soviets were the number one enemy. Then came the AK and then the Germans. It was more or less clear that the Germans were going to lose the war while both the Soviet Union and Poland were a dangers for Ukrainian independence.

[RG]

This photo I found on
http://www.historycy.org/index.php?show ... 542&st=105

but I saw it in Museum of Armia Krajowa in Krakow so when I will be there I try to make a better copy. It depicts a tank used by UPA in fights against Czech village Kupiczow in Wolyn defended by Czech and Polish self defence. This tank (it is probably a hull of T26 mounted on chassis of any tractor (?)) was captured by defenders. Kupiczow survived this, as well as other attacks of UPA.

[Askold]

Me-109 captured by UPA in the beginning of 1944. Painted with Ukrainian insignia, it was used for dropping off leaflets around the town of Dolyna:

[AVV]

Hello!

Me-109 captured by UPA in the beginning of 1944.

What's the source of this image?

Best regards, Aleks