Ep 13. WWII in the East: The Air War

In season 1 episode 13 of Soviet Storm, titled "WWII in the East: The Air War", viewers are taken on a journey through the crucial role that air power played in the Eastern Front during World War II. This episode highlights the key aviation battles and technological advancements that shaped the outcome of the war in the East.

The episode focuses on the air power struggle between the Soviet Union and Germany in the Eastern Front. Viewers are taken back to the opening days of Operation Barbarossa when the German Luftwaffe enjoyed air superiority over the Soviets. However, the situation changed dramatically when the Soviet aviation industry moved eastward to escape from the advancing German forces and began producing new fighter planes like the Yakovlev Yak-1 and Yak-3 that proved to be a match for the best German fighters.

The program also highlights the significance of the Battle of Stalingrad, which saw Soviet forces reclaim the skies over the city. Another key engagement covered in this episode is the Battle of Kursk, where the Soviet Union showcased its airpower with an impressive 2000 planes mobilized against the German forces.

Soviet Storm also dives into the use of strategic bombing by both sides, and the devastating consequences for civilians and military targets alike. The episode illustrates how the German air force failed to break the will of the Soviet people despite the horrific bombing campaigns carried out against cities like Leningrad.

Along with highlighting the technical advancements made in the field of aviation during World War II, the episode covers the significant role played by air support in land warfare. Soviet Storm reveals never-heard-before stories, rare archival footage, and unique testimonies of veteran pilots to paint a vivid image of the air war on the Eastern Front.

The episode also brings to light the human cost of the air war, with many pilots losing their lives on both sides. Soviet Storm puts its focus on some of the famous fighter pilots like Ivan Kozhedub, a Soviet air ace with sixty-two confirmed kills, and Hans-Ulrich Rudel, a German pilot with the highest number of tank kills in history.

Overall, season 1 episode 13 of Soviet Storm gives a fantastic overview of the air war during World War II in the Eastern Front. It provides a detailed look at the technological innovations and tactics that shaped the outcome of the war while still keeping the focus on the human element and the individual stories that shaped the conflict. This episode is a must-watch for any military history enthusiast looking to learn more about the impact of air power in World War II.