The Russians are coming…to Montrose heritage centre

Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre’s commemoration of hero Russian pilots later this week will be attended by a VIP contingent from their homeland.

The Russians Are Coming display which opens on Friday will tell the story of elite Soviet flyers sent to Scotland for specialist training in 1943.

Among guests at the event will be the granddaughter of Commander Peter Kolesnikov, one of the airmen.

The exhibition will reveal how pilots of the 10th Guards Air Division secretly came to Scotland in 1943 to learn how to fly Whitworth Armstrong Albemarle bombers.

Russian historian Anna Belorusova’s grandfather was part of the clandestine operation.

Two Montrose Air Station Second World War veterans will also be presented with Russian 70th anniversary medals as part of the official ceremony.

“This will be a very special day for all concerned but especially for the descendants of Russia’s hero pilots, who will finally find out the full story of this top secret mission to Scotland,” said museum curator Dr Dan Paton.