Memory of Russia: "Air Bridge of Life" exhibition presented in Saint-Petersburg

The Saint-Petersburg Museum and Exhibition Centre "Russia Is My History" opened the "Air Bridge of Life" exhibition. The exposition spotlights the contribution of aviation in the salvation of besieged Leningrad. It included food supplies and delivery of everything necessary to ensure the city life, as well as the evacuation of people.

In early September 1941, the city administration began to seek ways of food supplies to the besieged city and front. One of the reasonable solvations was an "air bridge" - regular air traffic between Leningrad and the "mainland".

The main tasks, routes and plans of the "air bridge" were formulated in the order of the Military Council of the Leningrad Front on September 13, 1941. This direction laid the foundations of these activities.

To support the "air bridge", there were built new airfields, including false ones. Each plane with cargo was escorted by fighters and bombers, intended to repel attacks and distract the attention of enemy aircraft. The main aircraft used for carrying was PS-84, or "Douglas".

The "air bridge"operation lasted from September to December 1941. The pilots made 3115 flights on the route to Leningrad and back. Of the 32 pilots, only four survived.

The exposition includes the pilots' uniform, bombs, aircraft shells, ammunition, documents, photographs, awards.

The exhibition will run until September 28, 2020.