Vitalii Viktorovich Rybalko, 122. IAP (1942)
 

Hi!

Which was the rank of the Russian ace Vitalii Viktorovich Rybalko, that served in the 122 IAP, in february 1942?

Cheers,

Franklin

Re: Vitalii Viktorovich Rybalko, 122. IAP (1942)
 

Franklin,

I don't find Rybalko's name in either of the two main English language books on Soviet fighter aces, namely Polak's "Stalin's Falcons" and Seidl's "Stalin's Eagles."
What source are you using and how many victories is he supposed to have claimed?

Tom

Re: Vitalii Viktorovich Rybalko, 122. IAP (1942)
 

'Rybalko' is not included in Bodrikhin's book on Soviet aces either.

Re: Vitalii Viktorovich Rybalko, 122. IAP (1942)
 

LOL, Bodrikhin's book is not bad, mainly cos it's the 1st work of such kind in Russia, but it is not a Bible anyway ;) ...

Vitalii Viktorovich Rybalko, 1923, 122 iap, ended the GPW as Captain, with 7 confirmed personal aerial victories. During the war he flew MiG-3, Yak-1 and Yak-9 fighters.

The intervew (in Russian) and photos of V.V.Rybalko You can find here:
http://www.iremember.ru/pilots/rybalko/rybalko_r.htm

Re: Vitalii Viktorovich Rybalko, 122. IAP (1942)
 

I realize that, but that's the only Russian book on aces I have (the first edition, 1997).

If I am not mistaken, you're currently working on a similar topic, albeit much more comprehensive. If so, I am looking forward to it...

Re: Vitalii Viktorovich Rybalko, 122. IAP (1942)
 

Yeah we're working on it now, You're right, but unfortunately that's a very long and difficult work... :( Now it continues over 3 years already and it is impossible to say when it will be finished.

Re: Vitalii Viktorovich Rybalko, 122. IAP (1942)
 

Hi Mikhail,

Will your book be available in English? If so I can't wait.

What is your opinion of Stalin's Falcons and Stalin's Eagles (both of which I own). I've read that most Russian researchers regard these works as not being very accurate.
Regards

Andy Fletcher

Re: Vitalii Viktorovich Rybalko, 122. IAP (1942)
 

I am not mistaken, neither authors used primary archival sources, only secondary, published sources. Therefore their works are incomplete and often contradictory, at the best. Nevertheless, since they are the only works on the topic available in English, they are certainly useful.

Re: Vitalii Viktorovich Rybalko, 122. IAP (1942)
 

Completely agree with Denes. Those books, especislly 'Falcons', are based mainly on pilots' memoires... Just remember that and don't believe 'victory lists' information, those are fakes over 99%, in other ways those books are average.

Re: Vitalii Viktorovich Rybalko, 122. IAP (1942)
 

Re: Vitalii Viktorovich Rybalko, 122. IAP (1942)
 

Dénes, that two wolume red book contains sometimes significant mistakes also...

Re: Vitalii Viktorovich Rybalko, 122. IAP (1942)
 

hello board!

Thanks to Massimo website there is the English translation of the interview: http://www.sovietwarplanes.com/Rybalko.htm

BR Audrius

Re: Vitalii Viktorovich Rybalko, 122. IAP (1942)
 

Thank you Dénes and Mikhail for your comments. I've noticed that they are indeed often contradictory.

I find it very hard to find accurate info on Soviet airmen (in English), which is a real pity considering their achievements and sacrifices.

I look forward to a book on the subject that is sourced from primary data.

Best Regards

Andy Fletcher

Re: Vitalii Viktorovich Rybalko, 122. IAP (1942)
 

Hello Audrius
thanks for the link. Very interesting.

Juha