by Dan Milton
Holding a rag over his mouth and crawling under the smoke with Lev close to him, Alexei appeared. He climbed down with the help of the crewman and reached back to help Lev down. He was not there. Alexei shouted, “Lev, Lev you were right behind me, where are you?”
More of the train crew grabbed extinguishers and came running to fight the fire. “Lev, Lev come,” Alexei continued to shout as did the rest of the men. Alexei attempted to climb back into the car to go after Lev, but he was held back by a member of the crew.
To everyone’s surprise, Lev suddenly appeared. He was crawling toward the open door, under a layer of smoke, with a strap in his mouth. He was dragging the knapsack. It was almost as big as he was. Alexei, holding back tears, helped Lev down to the roadbed and picked up the pack.
Lev, though his hair was slightly singed, appeared okay. With a lump in his throat, Alexei said, “Lev thanks, you saved me, and you saved our Village.”
The men had just finished extinguishing the fire as Ilya came running to find out what happened. After getting briefed, Ilya said, “Alexei I am glad that you and Lev are unhurt. Sorry for the trouble. There are many bad people that steal and sell the munitions on the black market. Let’s find another car that you and Lev can stay in until we reach Vladivostok. I would have come sooner, but we had an accident that damaged some equipment while unloading flat-bed cars. It will probably delay us a couple of days to repair the equipment needed to finish the unloading.”
Secret Mission – mid-western U.S.
Thousands of miles to the East across the Pacific Ocean, a top secret meeting took place at an aircraft production facility in the mid-west. The lead engineer, the plant manager, the Army Air Corps ferrying Commander and Pamela Potan, a woman ferrying pilot, met to discuss a secret mission.
The Commander said, “The B-25J Mitchell twin-engine medium bomber prototype is about to come off the production line with significant improvements over the B-25D. Once we complete the test flights at the production facility, it will be necessary to ferry the prototype to Russia for the final check flights by the Russian engineers. Pamela Potan, one of our best pilots, who speaks Russian fluently, is assigned, with her crew, to ferry the plane to Ladd Field near Fairbanks, Alaska.”
Pamela’s father, born in Vladivostok, immigrated to the USA and married an American woman. As many immigrates did, he changed his name from Potanin to Potan. Pamela grew up with her parents speaking Russian at home.
The commander continued, “Under the control of the Russian Airforce, she will then, with her same crew, fly to the Krasnoyarsk airfield in Siberia. According to our Lend-Lease agreement with Russia, the ferrying crew would have turned the plane over to an all-Russian crew at Ladd Field to fly the aircraft to Krasnoyarsk Airfield. But, with time working against the Russians and us on this prototype, we have their permission and will fly the plane to Krasnoyarsk.”
“It is an exception to the agreement. We need to get immediate direct feedback from the Russian engineers to our guys at the production facility. The prototype will remain at Krasnoyarsk for additional testing and orientation with each of the major Russian Airforce commands. We must have that feedback before we go into full production on the ‘J’ version.”
The Commander dismissed everyone and then continued to brief Pam, saying, “You and your crew will take off at 0700 tomorrow. You are our most experienced ferrying pilot. We are counting on you. The weather should hold to Fairbanks and then on westward. There is a localized disturbance expected about 50 miles East of Vladivostok. Check with meteorology for the latest conditions when you hold over and refuel at Ladd Field. You will also be holding over and refueling in Vladivostok before proceeding to your final destination. The Russian Airforce has notified Vladivostok and Krasnoyarsk to expect you. Your Russia heritage and your language capabilities should prove very useful.”
“I expect you back within two weeks. You and your crew get some rest. I will see you on the flight line tomorrow morning. Remember this mission is secret and is not ‘on the books’. No one knows where you are going, or that the plane you will be flying, is the newer ‘J’ version of the B-25. Do not trust anyone. Have a safe and successful flight. Bring something back for the junkyard.”
Freighter EXTAVIA
The train that had left Molotov some two weeks ago, slowed down and took the siding that switches it into the rail yard behind the Vladivostok railway station, on Lugovaya Street—the terminus of the Trans-Siberian Railway.
Alexei, nearing the end of this part of his journey, gathered his knapsack and Lev. He had concern that the two-day delay in Irkutsk will have caused him to miss his departure on the freighter Extavia. It was to leave Vladivostok today, the first of September. It was destined to cross the Northern Pacific Ocean and reach Anchorage, Alaska in 12 days. Alexei did not know how he would get there if he missed the sailing date. Arrangements were made some time ago by Father Stepan, parish priest of the Russian Orthodox ‘Church of Our Lady’s Protection’ in Vladivostok. Father Stepan was a teacher at the seminary attended by Father Alexander and had been contacted by him about Alexei and the need to get him to Alaska.
Sympathetic to Alexei’s need, Father Stepan had recently corresponded with his brother who had immigrated to the United States some years ago and married an American woman. His brother had been called up as a Ryan PT-22 Recruit monoplane training pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He remembered the many times that he and his brother had flown together. Their favorite, a two-seat biplane—a Polikarpov Po-2 (nicknamed ‘kukuruza’ for ‘crop duster’), over the Siberian countryside alternating who piloted the plane.
Alexei hoped down with Lev when the train stopped. He headed for the front of the train looking for Ilya. He wanted to return the Railway uniform, thank him for all his help and say goodbye. He was also hoping to see Nikolay and thank him. He thought: Sure hope Father Stepan is meeting me here. I need to know what is going on.
He found both Ilya and Nikolay talking to Father Stepan, who had just inquired about Alexei. Nikolay introduced Alexei and Lev. Father Stepan said, “Alexei it looks like you have found a scrappy companion.”
Alexei replied, “Yes, it has been comforting having him around. Father Stepan, have you heard anything from my father or Father Alexander? How are things at the front? Did my grandfather and the rest of my Village arrive safely at the refugee center in Kuybyshev?”
Father Stepan said, “Enough questions! I will answer you on the way to the cargo docks. We need to hurry and find out if the freighter you are leaving on is still there. Say your goodbyes and let’s be off.”
Alexei thanked everyone for their help and for Lev, his new companion. As he and Father Stepan headed to the docks, they shouted their goodbyes.
On arriving, and over the noise on the cargo docks, Father Stepan, shouted to one of the loading supervisors, “Where can I find the harbormaster?”
After learning what they needed, he and Alexei headed for a small building at the end of the dock. On the way, Father Stepan told Alexei that the freighter Extavia was not in port, and no one has apparently seen it. On locating the harbormaster, they learned that the word had come indirectly that the Extavia struck a mine on the first of August when it left Guadalcanal. The ship was too damaged to continue. Father Stepan said, “Let’s head back to the church so we can decide what to do next.”
* * *
In the meantime, Pamela Potan landed at the Krasnoyarsk airfield. Early the next morning, she provided direction on the changes and new features in the ‘J’ version of the B-25 to the Russian engineers and test pilots. After several days of orientation and familiarization flights, the Russian test pilots and engineers began their test flights. Several days later, they provided the necessary feedback.
Pamela and her crew received their meals while quartered in separate barracks. Other than the engineers and test pilots, there was no other contact with personnel on the base. Being isolated led to a strong desire by the crew to head home. The Russi
an Airforce provided them a beat-up B-25D to be taken back and junked. Pamela’s team gave it a thorough checkout and determined that the plane was sufficiently airworthy. All, they would need to do, was to head it in the right direction at a somewhat reduced speed.
The next morning, after fueling the plane and having the necessary paperwork signed and delivered to Pamela, they took off for Vladivostok where they will refuel and layover for a flight to Ladd Field near Fairbanks.
* * *
Shortly after arriving at the church, Father Stepan found a room for Alexei and Lev to settle in. Father Stepan said, “As soon as I take care of a couple of church matters I will start trying to find an alternative way to get you to Alaska.”
When Father Stepan stepped into his office and was about to sit down, his phone rang. It was his niece Pamela Potan. Pamela said, “Uncle Stepan, you will never guess where I am? I just landed at the airfield in Vladivostok. We are refueling and will be staying over. We will not be leaving for Fairbanks until tomorrow morning.”
Father Stepan said, “What? How?”
“It’s a long story. Could we get some dinner and I’ll fill you in.”
“I will meet you at the airfield. There is a commissary there where we can get something to eat.”
Before he left the church, Father Stepan asked one of the other priests to look after Alexei and get him something to eat. He said, “Let him know that I will be back a little later in the evening.”
Over a somewhat sparse meal, Pamela told her uncle that she had delivered one of the lend-lease planes directly to Krasnoyarsk and was taking an old one back to the United States. Her Uncle told Pamela the story of Alexei and Lev and the need for them to get to Alaska. Pamela said, “I may be able to help, but why the dog?
Father Stepan said, “The dog saved Alexei’s life, and they are now inseparable. Since Alexei is alone, Lev is an excellent companion.”
Pamela said, “Good enough for me! The mission, I am on, is not ‘on the books’ so maybe I can sneak both of them on board when we leave tomorrow morning. It isn’t to Iliamna, but Fairbanks is not that far away.”
Later that evening, arriving back at the church, Father Stepan told Alexei that it may still be possible for him and Lev to get to Iliamna. Father Stepan filled Alexei in on the conversation with his niece and the possibility of flying to Alaska with her.
Alexei thanked Father Stepan and said, “Would it be possible for you to get the word to my grandfather, at a refugee settlement in Kuybyshev. Please let him know that I have reached Vladivostok, and all is well. Let him also know that I will be leaving for Alaska tomorrow morning.”
“Yes. I’ll do that for you.”
In the early morning hours, Father Stepan and Alexei arrived at the airfield. The guard at the gate let them through when Father Stepan told the guard that they had business with the resident Chaplain. Lev was on the floor behind the seat under a blanket. The gate opened, and they headed for the main terminal. Just before the main terminal they made a sharp right turn into the hanger where Pamela’s crew was waiting.
Father Stepan and Pamela made the introductions. On seeing Pamela, Alexei thought: She is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen... sorry Tasha... not as beautiful as you though! Alexei and Lev were enthusiastically welcomed by the crew who were briefed last night by Pamela that Alexei and Lev would be joining them for the flight to Fairbanks. Pamela had one of the crew get him a flight uniform and a box that was just the right size in which to hide Lev. Just before boarding, Alexei said, “Father Stepan, thanks for everything you have done.”
“It has been my pleasure. Have a safe flight. Pamela is my niece. She is an excellent pilot and will make sure you both arrive safely.”
Carrying the box with Lev in it, Alexei, dressed in a flight uniform, and the rest of Pamela’s crew walked out and climbed aboard the B-25D parked on the flight line. After the ground and flight check, the engines were started. When they had finished the checklist, Pamela requested permission to taxi to the takeoff runway. Stopping just short of the takeoff area, Pamela asked and received permission to move into takeoff position. With the authorization granted, Pamela brought both engines to full power and took off, into what appeared to be, a clear morning sky.
Disappearance – Lake Iliamna 1944
Alexei practiced what little English he knew with some of the crew. He then moved to the back of the plane and found a spot for Lev and him to get some needed sleep.
The flight over the Northern Pacific ocean was smooth and uneventful. Shortly after crossing the Aleutian Islands, Pamela radioed the Weather Bureau in King Salmon for the latest conditions into Fairbanks. They suggested she divert to Anchorage since Fairbanks had dense fog.
On hearing this, Pamela asked her co-pilot to fetch Alexei. As Alexei wiped the sleep from his eyes, Pamela told him, speaking mostly in Russian, the change in plans. She explained that landing in Anchorage would make it easier to continue his journey since it is closer to Iliamna. There are mail flights out of Anchorage airport to Iliamna and other nearby villages. She said, “I will write a letter of introduction and explain your need to get to Iliamna. I am sure you will have no trouble getting a flight. When we land, I’ll check the situation in Fairbanks, and then we shall find you a mail flight.”
“That’s so nice of you. How can I ever thank you for doing this?”
“No thanks are needed. It has been a welcome break having you and Lev on board. Just remember to keep all of this to yourself. Please don’t tell anyone you were on the flight.”
“No I won’t.”
On entering Anchorage airspace, Pamela radioed the control tower for instructions. She then vectored the B25-D into the landing pattern, put the aircraft on the ground and taxied to the cargo area.
After a quick briefing with the crew, Pamela said, “Let’s be off Alexei. We need to clear customs and find you a flight to Iliamna.” To her co-pilot she said, “Re-check the weather in Fairbanks, clear customs, get us refueled, and if needed, someplace to stay for the night. I will be back shortly.”
Alexei, in his best English, and Lev, with his tail wagging furiously, thanked the crew and said their goodbyes.
After clearing customs, Pamela and Alexei walked over to the next hanger to find the mail and cargo flights. Pamela asked around, and they were directed to a pilot standing by the far wall. Walking over, Pamela said, “Hello. I am Pamela Paton, and this is Alexei.”
“Hi. I’m Owen Hammond. Didn’t you just fly in on that B-25?”
“Yes we did.”
Owen commented, “Looks like that plane has seen better days! How can I help you?”
“Alexei is looking for a ride to Iliamna. He speaks only a little English. He is to meet eventually with the Parish Priest in the community of Kokhanok. Can you get him as far as Iliamna?”
“You have come to the right place. I will be taking off tomorrow morning for several villages, including Iliamna, to deliver cargo and the mail.”
Pamela said, “If you could drop him off at the Lodge in Iliamna I would be happy to pay you for your effort.”
Alexei said, “Don’t forget Lev.”
“I forgot to mention that Alexei has a dog named Lev. It is a long story, but they are inseparable.”
“Lev will be no problem. I have hauled dog sled teams before. Don’t worry about paying me. Alexei, if you will help me unload and load at a couple of villages before we get to Iliamna you can fly for free.”
After the arrangements had been completed, with a brief translation by Pamela, Alexei understood and was happy with the arrangements. Alexei said, “Okay... thanks...”
Alexei asked if he could stay in the hanger for the night. The pilot said, “There is a blanket just behind the back seat. You can sleep on the plane. There is a bathroom with a place to wash up over there. Do you have anything to eat?”
Alexei, in halting English, replied, “Have food in knapsack... Lev and I okay...”
“I will bring you
something in the morning. We will be taking off at dawn.”
After saying their goodbyes, Pamela returned to her crew in the transit flight area. She learned from her co-pilot that they were stuck for the night as the fog had not yet cleared in Fairbanks. Pamela thought to herself: One more night and then we will be in Fairbanks and hopefully a day or so of rest before our next assignment.
Alexei took Lev outside to a grassy area for a walk then went to the bathroom to cleanup. He and Lev finished off the food they had. Alexei got a drink of water from the fountain and filled a tin for Lev to drink. They then bedded down in the back seat of the plane. Alexei grabbed his journal and wrote: Tasha, I have a new hero. She is beautiful and an excellent pilot. I will probably never see her again, but I hope to see you soon.
Just before it became light outside, Alexei was woken up by Owen, who said, “Take Lev out for a walk, it will be a while till we get there. When you get back, you can help me load the aircraft.” During loading, the pilot asked Alexei about Lev and was told the story in his somewhat halting English.
After performing the preflight and getting instructions from the tower, they took off with the rising sun to their backs. Owen said, “Alexei, the twin-engine amphibious aircraft, you are flying in, is a Grumman G-44 Widgeon. Smaller than a G-21 Goose, it has a range of 960 miles and a maximum speed of 160 mph.”
After almost an hour of flight time, plus stops to unload cargo and mail at two villages, a spectacular vista burst upon the windscreen. Noticing Alexei’s astonishment, Owen said, “This is Lake Iliamna. It is 75 miles long and 25 miles wide. It is 1,000 feet deep at the Eastern end of the lake.” It reminded Alexei of Lake Baikal near Irkutsk in Siberia. Owen said, “We will cross over the upper-half of the lake on our way to the Iliamna Village.”
After a slightly bumpy landing on a gravel runway, Alexei helped unload the mail and cargo into the old, but still running, truck parked nearby. They rode into the village. Owen arranged with the owner for Alexei to stay at the Lodge until the mail boat arrives in a few days. Fishing season is over, and hunting season has not yet started. The Lodge owner told Alexei that if he helped out with some cleanup left over from the fishing season he would not charge him anything for room and board. Alexei happily agreed. Lev loved being there as he had the whole outdoors in which to romp.