30.06.1944. Raid on Portinhoikka

30 Jun 1944 FAF raided Portinhoikka in Ihantala (East of Viipuri) with 40 a/c. The target were concentrations of troops, vehicles and tanks in the enemy rear. The bombers were escorted by 19 MT fighters.

PLeLv 46 participated with with 3 DN, 2 DB and 1 DF led by Capt. Lehto. They bombed at 20.32 hrs from 2700m the Portinhoikka crossroads with 30x100kg and 60x50kg. Hits were observed in the roads. DN-63 was shot down by AAA fire.

PLeLv 48 participated with 8 BL led by Capt. Turpeinen. They bombed at 20.32 to 20.35 from 3600m. Hits were observed in the target area, some fires seen South of the crossroads. One BL returned and dumped the bombs in lake Orivesi.

PLeLv 44 participated with 12 JK led by Lt. Iisalo. They attacked at 20.37 to 20.43 hrs. The bombers dived from 4000m and pulled up at 2500m after bomb release. Bombs included 24x500kg and 24x250kg. The target area was hit, a fire broke out in the crossroads. Several enemy La-5s were seen, one attacked JK-272 which took one 20mm hit. JK-267 was forced to land in Immola having taken an AAA hit.

PLeLv 42 led by Lt. Salo was the last unit to attack, with 15 BLs. They bombed from 3100m at 20.38 to 20.40hrs using 20x100kg, 92x50kg and 84x12,5kg. Hits were observed in the Portinhoikka crossroads, on the roads and on the roadsides. BL-161 took an AAA splinter in the windscreen which was broken.

© Written by: Ossi Juntunen

Sources:

Keskinen, Kalevi; Stenman, Kari. Suomen Ilmavoimien historia, vol. 19. LeR 4 (Loviisa 2002)