| abstract | - The Northwest Route was a air-ferry transit route moving aircraft and supplies through Canada and Alaska, over the Bering Strait to Russia. In the second half of 1941 the scope of the Second World War changed. Russia and America were drawn into the conflict. Keeping Russia supplied with Lend Lease aid became paramount. However, the traditional routes to Russia were closed due to enemy occupation—rails through Europe were closed. Japanese navy closed most of Asia. Thus the only routes were the vicious Arctic Run to Murmansk, through the Deserts of Iran, or by air via Alaska. Thousands of P-39 Aircobra aircraft, and DC-3s were flown from the factories in California to Great Falls, Montana, Dawson Creek, BC, Fairbanks, Alaska, and on into Soviet Russia. The transport planes were loaded with machine parts, tools, food, clothes, technical manuals for use in Russia during the war.
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