Re: Lev Shestakov
 

I cannot speak Russian, nor read Cyrillic...

MZ

Re: Lev Shestakov
 

it is easy, just try, it is simple

Re: Lev Shestakov
 

I think I'm patient enough to wait till somebody provides an answer in English, German, French or Italian.

Re: Lev Shestakov
 

Hello there Gentlemen,

this is the best Shestakov victory log I found so far
http://soviet-aces-1936-53.ru/abc/sh/shestak_ll.htm
As far I understand it doesn't explain how the story about the 8+31sh Spain kills started.

Cheers,

Michael

Re: Lev Shestakov
 

Slightly off topic , one thing I never found out is the PZL-34 claimed near Odessa exactly on my birth day and month ( Aug 9,41) . Through my Roumanian records I could not find any PZL34 missing on that day as between 5.8. to 19.8.1941 there were no Romanian losses marked on their records at all .According 69 IAP group history , Major Shestakov was moved as early as July 41 through early Oct 41 to train sea coastal air defense forces near Odessa and may not even been airborne on Aug 9,41.

Re: Lev Shestakov
 

The whole Shestakov story seems to be full of cock and bull stories, doesn't it ?

Michael

Re: Lev Shestakov
 

The whole Shestakov issue seems to be full of cock and bull stories, doesn't it ?

Michael

Re: Lev Shestakov
 

Unfortunately Genosse Knusel, I mst agree with you . Lev was deputy CO of 69 IAP with much political crop behind him . He is one of many Soviet pilots during WWII promoted by his political paths rather results . However, undoubtedly 69 IAP in similar to 67 IAP and 55 IAP was one of the most heroic fighter groups of the Soviets
in WWII

Re: Lev Shestakov
 

Oh. Very interesting.
Would you say that this is not the only case in which party membership increased a score ?

Michael

Re: Lev Shestakov
 

No not exactly but all results were politically reviewed before major decorations
and awards were approved .