Paraphrase of Code Cablegram Recieved at the War Department at 11:29, June 23, 1941 London, filled 17:00, June 23, 1941. The strength and disposition of the Russian Air Force is currently estimated by the British as follows: 1600 aircraft in the area of Vladivostok, 4800 along the Western front. The ratio of bombers and fighters is about two to three. Most of the fighters are of the type of the British Gladiator. Of the Hurricane class they have around 1000 aircraft. Naval aircraft number about 200. Most of the Russian bombers, known as the SB, are similar to the Blenheim and have a speed of 250 miles per hour. Their long range bomber, called the DR-3, has a range of 1600 miles and carries 3000 pounds of bombs. The reserve of the Russian Air Force is estimated at thirty percent. The morale of the pilots is thought to be good, but they are not considered well trained, most of their training having been concerned with defensive operations. 1. British Air Activity over the Continent. a. Night of June 21-22. During this night British bombers dropped 49 tone of high explosive and 5900 incendiaries bombs on Dusseldorf, 1100 incendiaries and 48 tons of high explosive bombs, including one bomb of 4000 pounds, on the railway center at Cologne, 26 tons of high explosive Bombs and 3800 incendiaries on the industrial area at Cologne, 40 tons of high explosive bombs on Boulogne and 15 on Dunkirk. |