Russian pilots studying in England
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Russian pilots studying in England

Russian pilots studying in England

 

  Aviation Museum in London, survived index cards and photographs of the first Russian pilots who were trained in England in 1917 year.

How many white spots is Russian history in general and the history of aviation in particular? Thanks to enthusiasts, historians, and just indifferent people, some curtains are opened. The history of formation of the Russian imperial air, always strongly suppressed the official Soviet history. Often been underestimated in favor of the promotion of valor, courage and dedication of the pioneers of Russian aeronautics. Pilots, mechanics, and Motorostroitel aircraft manufacturers, theoretical researchers, their names can decorate any pantheon.

Russian pilots to England to study 2

  It was the First World War. It was clear that military aviation, a developing type of armed forces, can significantly influence the course of military operations. Aerial reconnaissance, aerial photography, the bombing of enemy troops, the delivery of urgent correspondences, the destruction of balloons, this is not the whole list of tasks facing the young kind of troops.

 There was a catastrophic lack of pilots, and airplanes, engine mechanics and observer pilots. And if the lack of mat. parts were replenished by our allies, England and France, the shortage of flight personnel was particularly acute in the troops. Available in Russia, about 10 flight schools, could not fill half the needs of the front. They even tried to fill the shortage with civilian volunteer pilots.

  And so, after the agreement of the Russian Air Fleet Administration with the flight schools of England and France, the Highest permission was received to send our military, soldiers and officers to study in these countries.

  By 1917, flight schools in Europe had the most progressive methods of teaching flying. Training in them was distinguished by saturation, strict discipline, and an abundance of subjects of study. The program included: the study of the motor and airframe of the airplane, the analysis of the air situation Flight theory, artillery fire adjustment training, covert intelligence. All of this required the cadets to be fully committed. Airplanes studied in schools were also used by the flight units of the Russian army. This was especially valuable, as it allowed to get an experienced pilot or mechanic, without additional retraining at the front.

Russian pilots to England to study 3

  The group of future cadets (cadets) of the Russian Aviation Corps was very long and carefully selected. The basis of the selection was reliability, origin, presence of combat experience, including flight, physical condition. The group was based on the children of high-ranking officials, generals and officers. Children and relatives of famous names in Russia. But there were also volunteers in the group, from among students and small employees. The total number of cadets going to study in England differs according to different archival data. It is believed, according to recent data, that a group of 108 cadets arrived in Britain.

  And on a cold February morning, 25 numbers 1917, the famous cruiser Varyag, the next for repair in Liverpool, raised anchors. It was in the port of the city of Romanov on Murman (now Murmansk). And on March 4, the Varyag, accompanied by two destroyers, dropped anchor at the Liverpool pier.

  And the first news that hit our compatriots on English soil was the terrible news about the abdication of Emperor Nicholas 2 from the Russian throne!

  A new page began in the life of every Russian, and a new era in the life of the country and the whole world.

Valery Smirnov specifically for Avia.pro

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