History Balkan Air Force

the formation based @ bari in italy, , formed on 7 june 1944 ahq g force, simplify command arrangements air support of special operations executive-operations in balkans, i.e. across adriatic , in aegean , ionian seas. desert air force had been responsible operations, prime job support of troops of commonwealth eighth army fighting way through italy, making operations on balkans distraction. balkan air force subordinate mediterranean allied air forces, overall allied air formation in mediterranean.

the baf supported operations of partisans, led josip broz tito, against german forces in yugoslavia, provided support greek , albanian resistance organisations. transported supplies partisans, evacuated wounded, dropped agents them, , provided air support in operations against german troops.

the balkan air force multinational unit, 15 types of aircraft , men 8 nations: greece, co-belligerent italy, poland, south africa, yugoslavia, uk, usa , ussr (a transport squadron). between inception , may 1945 baf flew 38,340 sorties, dropped 6,650 tons of bombs, delivered 16,440 tons of supplies , flew 2,500 individuals yugoslavia , 19,000 (mostly wounded) out.

towards end of existence, operated small number of units yugoslav soil harass retreating germans. however, disagreements tito (particularly arrest of members of special boat squadron on 13 april 1945, although released) meant british ground forces withdrawn, although baf aircraft operating zadar continued support partisan offensive. between 19 march , 3 may flew 2,727 sorties, attacking german withdrawal route sarajevo zagreb , supporting fourth yugoslav army advancing bihać rijeka.

the balkan air force disbanded on 15 july 1945. during short existence, commanded (british) royal air force air vice marshals william elliot , george mills.