Mongolian Arat squadron
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| Mongolian Arat Air Squadron | |
|---|---|
 A Lavochkin La-5F in the markings of the squadron, with the «Монгольский арат» nose art of the squadron. | |
| Active | 1925-1945 |
| Disbanded | 1945 |
| Country |  Soviet Union |
| Branch |  Soviet Air Forces |
TheMongolian Arat squadron(Russian:эскадрилья «Монгольский арат»,romanized:Eskadrilya «Mongolski arat»,lit. 'Mongolian Herdsman Air Squadron') was a fighter squadron in theSoviet Air Force,funded by contributions from theMongolian People's Republic,that was operational duringWorld War II.The Mongolian word "ard"(ард) means "people", but was malapropriated in Russian and other languages as "Arat"(арат) to mean a nomadic pastoralist or herdsman.
In March 1943, following the presentation of the"Revolutionary Mongolia" tank brigadeto theRed Army,theLittle Khural(parliament) of Mongolia, underGonchigiin Bumtsend,announced its intention to fund a fighter squadron within theSoviet Air Force.[1]The squadron was given 12Lavochkin La-5fighters in a formal ceremony and formed part of the2nd Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment.[2]Despite its name, the pilots and personnel of the unit were Russian rather than Mongolian.
The Squadron's commander,Aleksandr Ivanovich Maiorov,was awarded theHero of the Soviet Unionmedal.
Citations
[edit]Bibliography
[edit]- Sanders, Alan J. K. (2010).Historical Dictionary of Mongolia(3rd ed.). Plymouth: Scarecrow Press.