Logistical Support of Air Operations of the Leningrad Front During the Siege of Leningrad

Abstract

The article reveals the process of logistic support of air operations the Leningrad front in the period 1941–1944. Historical database is the archive of the Ministry of defense and the historic archive of St. Petersburg. The beginning of the great Patriotic war became for connections in the rear of the air force of the Leningrad military district, the most severe period. While in reorganization, within the formation of new units, the rear of the aircraft was not ready to ensure the conduct of hostilities. Further, the establishment of a permanent front line near Leningrad coincides with complete stabilization in the operating units of the aviation rear guard. During offensive operations in 1944, complexity in the rear of the 13-th air army has increased manifold due to the large number of transfers to new airfields. At the first stage of the defense of Leningrad was a serious problem of the lack of the ability for a large volume of aircraft maintenance work. The solution was found only with the help of Party leadership of the city, which mobilized the production capacity of the Leningrad factories to help the front. In addition, the article demonstrates the dynamics of changes in the number of aircraft of the air force of the Leningrad front during the war.