Talk:Normandie-Niemen

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I edited this page, removing the following as possibly innacurate:

" The regiment holds the distinction of the only air-combat group from a western European country to participate in World War II on the Eastern Front. " 

Although not much publicized, there was at least a squadron of RAF pilots flying Hurricane fighters early in the development of the Eastern Front. These, I believe flew out of Murmansk or thereabouts. Their career was much shorter than that of the French flyers but very eventful by most accounts.

Thus, the statement that the French were the only Western air-combat group to fly on the Eastern front depends on the definition of the word, "group". If by group, one means a unit of any size, then no, the British have to be included. If by group, one means a specific-sized combat unit of at least a squadron or more, then it might be accurate technically as I am not sure of the actual size of the British outfit in the North. If this is indeed the distinction being made, then the statement is technically accurate, but not really accurate in spirit, unless a distinction is made in the text.

If anyone can find further information on these British flyers, it would be appreciated.

[edit] Normandie-Niemen name

In the article it states that "Stalin awarded the unit the name Niemen for its participation in the battle of the Niemen River". This is confusing. A Battle of the Niemen River took place in 1920 between Russia and Poland. Another battle with the same name (the one we want here) was in 1944 (I've amended with the date to help clarify.), but there is no Wikipedia article on that battle. Perhaps someone with knowledge of military history could write one.

Incidentally, my interest in this squadron was brought about last week in Agde, when I witnessed a very moving ceremony to honour local pilot Charles Miquel who fought and died with the unit. A memorial to him and the unit was unveiled in the presence of officers from the French and Russian air forces. Details if anyone's interested at [1]. Emeraude 17:46, 26 January 2007 (UTC)

A very good info, Emeraude. I added some info about Russian air regiment also called "Normandia-Neman". A few years ago I witnessed a meeting between French and Russian pilots on Russian soil.Sea diver 06:56, 17 February 2007 (UTC)