I spoke about REAL successes of Swedes.John T wrote:Some notes to this
The Swede's claimed three fighters destroyed on the ground and one in the air on January 12.
Very true remark. As far as I know, Swedes arrived to Finland with rather arrogant plans. Including, meaning air support of a land forces. And in this connection it is very curious, than such reassessment of priorities for F19 speaks? In fact by and large on one of the mentioned below points with 12-th till 24th January of large strikes was not.John T wrote:To determine air force efficiency you have to look at the objectives for each side.
After the 12:th and for most of January,Swedish fighters primary mission where recon.
January 24 the order to provide Air defence of the cities Kemi - Tornio - Oulo(Uleåborg)
February 1 Rovaniemi is added to the list.
I believe, that change of priorities is connected to the general transition to defense of the Finnish armies on direction Salla. And it is possible and because of high losses at actions above a front line. But it means, that Swedes have completely lost for an active phase of the struggle in Finland!
IMHO, will more worthlessly dispose of the Swedish group it was impossible! To cover something with such forces - it is impossible. As in a role of interceptors you have estimated opportunities of Gladiators more than precisely.John T wrote: This means F19 where spread out like
Kemijärvi, Posio, Vaala 1 Fighter EACH
Rovaniemi 2-4 fighters
Uleåborg 2 fighter
And if possible one at Veitsiluoto.
The remaing fighters where dedicated to recce missions.
This made sense as Soviet Bomber formation most oftenly just turned back when encountering a single fighter.
(and as the Gladiators had to have height advantage to get near the modern Soviet bombers so the Swedes could not chase after a turning formation)
"Fist" from 8-10 fighters - appreciable force to measures of the given site of front. As I-15bis and I-16 type 5 essentially did not surpass Gladiators under flight characteristics. But the Finnish command has preferred to break "fist" into separate "fingers" which by definition could not influence seriously struggle in air. In result at F19 smallest "efficiency" among the Finnish fighters units at optimum initial preconditions.
Frankly speaking, in a case with F19, IMHO, we have "mini-model" of all Finnish fighter aviation. Problems and mistakes same. Only in a case with F19 they have received simply grotesque forms. Interestingly, the Finnish command seriously trusted, what one fighter can protect Kemijarvi?
I have not vainly told, that the superiority was not till January, 18. To this day in Kairala there has arrived squadron I-16 and Russian would receive the superiority in any case.John T wrote: So comparing the Swedes defending a rather large area with around 8-10 operational Gladiators with only Kairala Air base is'nt really usefull.