Mongolian Arat squadron
| 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 |
The Mongolian Arat squadron (Russian: эскадрилья «Монгольский арат», tr. Eskadrilya «Mongolski arat», Mongolian: "Монгол ард" нисэх онгоцны эскадриль, romanized: "Mongol ard" nisekh ongotsny eskadril, "Mongolian People's Air Squadron") was a fighter squadron in the Soviet Air Force, funded by contributions from the Mongolian People's Republic, that was operational during World 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 brigade to the Red Army, the Little Khural (parliament) of Mongolia, under Gonchigiin Bumtsend, announced its intention to fund a fighter squadron within the Soviet Air Force.[1] The squadron was given 12 Lavochkin La-5 fighters in a formal ceremony and formed part of the .[2] Despite its name, the pilots and personnel of the unit were Russian rather than Mongolian.
The Squadron's commander, , was awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union medal.
Citations[]
Bibliography[]
- Sanders, Alan J. K. (2010). Historical Dictionary of Mongolia (3rd ed.). Plymouth: Scarecrow Press.
External links[]
- Fighter aircraft units and formations of the Soviet Union
- Military history of Mongolia
- 1940s in Mongolia
- Air units and formations of the Soviet Union in World War II
- Military units and formations established in 1943
- 1943 establishments in the Soviet Union
- Mongolia–Soviet Union relations