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Hurricanes Over Murmansk: Flying with the RAF in Northern Russia
The remarkable, forgotten story of the RAF’s daring defence of the Soviet Union against the brutal Nazi onslaught of 1941.
Shedding light on the often-overlooked Arctic Campaign, this is essential reading for anyone fascinated by courage, strategy, and the unsung stories of World War II.
On 22 June, Operation Barbarossa began, and the Soviet Union felt the full force of the German Blitzkrieg. As the Red Army retreated under relentless assault, Joseph Stalin made an urgent plea to the British government and Winston Churchill for aid against their common enemy.
By 27 July, Churchill had agreed to send two fighter squadrons to protect the vital, ice-free port of Murmansk, ensuring that the Arctic convoys could continue delivering essential supplies to keep the Soviet Union in the fight.
Former Hurricane and Typhoon pilot John Golley uncovers the extraordinary story of these squadrons, Nos. 81 and 134, and how they successfully aided the Soviet Union at the point of its greatest need. Drawing on first-hand accounts from RAF pilots — four of whom were awarded the USSR’s equivalent of the Victoria Cross, the Order of Lenin — as well as senior Soviet officials, Golley has crafted a thoroughly researched, vividly told account of bravery, sacrifice, and wartime ingenuity.
Shedding light on the often-overlooked Arctic Campaign, this is essential reading for anyone fascinated by courage, strategy, and the unsung stories of World War II.
On 22 June, Operation Barbarossa began, and the Soviet Union felt the full force of the German Blitzkrieg. As the Red Army retreated under relentless assault, Joseph Stalin made an urgent plea to the British government and Winston Churchill for aid against their common enemy.
By 27 July, Churchill had agreed to send two fighter squadrons to protect the vital, ice-free port of Murmansk, ensuring that the Arctic convoys could continue delivering essential supplies to keep the Soviet Union in the fight.
Former Hurricane and Typhoon pilot John Golley uncovers the extraordinary story of these squadrons, Nos. 81 and 134, and how they successfully aided the Soviet Union at the point of its greatest need. Drawing on first-hand accounts from RAF pilots — four of whom were awarded the USSR’s equivalent of the Victoria Cross, the Order of Lenin — as well as senior Soviet officials, Golley has crafted a thoroughly researched, vividly told account of bravery, sacrifice, and wartime ingenuity.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 16, 2026
Heroes of Murmansk
Informative and amazing to learn of this preparatory work to insert and train Soviet aircrew in the use of the Hurricane. Engaging terrific odds and hardships, they earned the respect of the Russians. Similarly, the spirit and heedless courage of their counterparts amazed them! Glad to learn of this tale of the early war.
Informative and amazing to learn of this preparatory work to insert and train Soviet aircrew in the use of the Hurricane. Engaging terrific odds and hardships, they earned the respect of the Russians. Similarly, the spirit and heedless courage of their counterparts amazed them! Glad to learn of this tale of the early war.
October 9, 2026
Russian Interlude
A very interesting interlude of learning of the RAFs involvement in WW2 helping Russia to hit back Germany 's attempts to overrun the Russian defence of their country. I must admit that my awareness of what has happened was ziltz. This book was an eye opener for me and most enjoyable
A very interesting interlude of learning of the RAFs involvement in WW2 helping Russia to hit back Germany 's attempts to overrun the Russian defence of their country. I must admit that my awareness of what has happened was ziltz. This book was an eye opener for me and most enjoyable
August 9, 2026
Excellent read and quite enlightening.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews