Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

Dear Sirs!

With good news with V-days!
Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th Fighter Regiment. Volume 1: Liberation of the Motherland by Vladislav Antipov & Igor Utkin. - will be published in this Summer 2005. (more than 100 photos,maps,the diagrams, aircraft profiles, full loss and victories lists e.t.c.)

"I would like to say “thank you” to the young generation represented by the
authors for not forgetting. They have not forgotten what we “oldtimers” did during the war. Reading the manuscript of this book, I once again lived through those events and that difficult time. I want most of all that our descendants will not forget any of this. Then there remains a chance that such a war will never be repeated."
Kapitan (retired) Aleksandr Ivanovich Ivanov
Pilot, 534th and 812th IAP.



"This extraordinary history, arguably the least known chapter in World War II, is best told at the regimental and small air unit level. However, it would not be until the fall of the Soviet Union this critical genre of historical literature flourished. Only with the small air unit histories were we able to reconstruct in detail how the Soviets reversed their fortunes in the air. Winged Dragons: History of the 812th “Sevastopol” fighter Regiment (Book One), written by Vladislav Antipov and Igor Utkin and now in English translation, offers us an intimate inside perspective on the brutal air war that raged on the Russian front. One can follow in remarkable detail the combat air operations through many notable battles, from the defense of Moscow, through the Kuban, to the liberation of the South Ukraine. This same time frame, it should be noted, became the pivotal context for Soviet fighter aviation to make its remarkable recovery and to challenge the Luftwaffe for air supremacy."

Historian, Curator of the Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum and Author of “Red Phoenix”,
Von Hardesty

I hope that our book will open eyes on many events.
With best regards my potential readers!
Thanks!
Vlad Antipov

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

Welcome!

That's great news Vlad, must be another classic in the making!

Can you share with us who will publish the books?

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

Thanks Ruy!

Our publisher is new and I hope a good name - Canadian publisher "Aviaeology".
Some days back I have received samples of imposition of the book - and it very much was pleasant to me.
I hope that little bit later - we can place here an book pages example.
The project of the book will be in two parts (A4 format).
The first part covers the periods with 1942 to 1944. (~100 pgs 100 photos)
The second part - the end 1944 to 1945. (~>100 pgs 150 photos)

The small information from the book
Authors' Preface-
" Unfortunately, to this day there still has not been published a detailed history of the combat path of a VVS [voenno-vozdushnye sili (air forces of the Red Army)] aviation regiment. The 812th IAP [istrebitelniy aviatsionniy polk (fighter aviation regiment)] is interesting in this regard because by the results of its combat actions, it surpassed many widely known Soviet fighter regiments that received formal "guards" recognition. The 812th IAP retained its original designation. The pilots of this regiment fought practically all their air battles in Yakovlev fighters (Yak-1, Yak-7, various modifications of Yak-9); they mastered the new Yak-3 fighters that were being introduced to the forces. And the mastery of the new equipment cost the lives of pilots. It was this regiment that conducted field testing of the Yak-9K fighter, armed with the 45mm aviation cannon. In doing this, the pilots and aviation mechanics of the regiment acquired unique experience in the combat employment of the “ flying cannon ”. By the close of the war, the regiment had destroyed more than 500 enemy aircraft (among them an Me-262), and by this measure was among the top ten most productive units of the Soviet VVS.
The goal of this work is to inform the reader concerning this unusual combat unit and in doing so, by the example of this unit show how at the price of trial and error the training of the regiment’s pilots and ground personnel was conducted, and how methods, tactics, and devices for employing the Yak fighters in aerial combat, patrolling, bomber escort, and attack of ground targets were developed and perfected. The reader will be able to find for himself something new (or not known before) concerning the largest aerial conflict in the skies of the Kuban in 1943, that were later named the “ Kuban Meat Grinder ”. And by the example of the regiment’s losses the reader will come to understand why this grandiose air battle had such an unflattering name. In the story of this unit the reader will learn also of the air battles in the skies of southern Ukraine, Crimea, Lithuania, Poland, and Germany. "


And if you do not know that such 812 IAP is a small information:

Full Regiment Title and Battle Honours
812th "Sevastopol" Red Banner, Order of Suvorov III
Degree, Fighter Aviation Regiment.
Honorific title "Sevastopol"
Order of the Supreme Commander in Chief No. 136 of 14 May 1944.
Order of the Red Banner
Order of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of 10 July 1944.
Order of Suvorov III Degree
Order of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of 3 May 1945.
“ For exemplary fulfillment of the command’s missions in combat with the German invaders during the forcing of the River Berezina, for capture of the town Borisov, and for the valor and courage displayed during these actions. ”
The 812th IAP was one of the standard formation regiments of the VVS that reached the 500-victory level and had to its credit, among the downed enemy aircraft, a victory over the Me-262 jet fighter. It is not clear why, but not one of the three regiments of the 265th IAD [istrebitelnaya aviatsionnaya divisiya (fighter aviation division)], including the 812th IAP, received "guards" rank, though by their indicators they surpassed other regiments who were honored more than once. Five pilots who served in the 812th IAP were awarded the rank Hero of the Soviet Union. Five pilots executed a ram during this period.
During the war the regiment lost 67pilots. The stylized image of a bird’s wing on the Yak cowling became the calling card of the entire 3rd IAK [istrebitelniy
aviatsionniy korpus (fighter aviation corps)], including the 812th IAP. This symbol, as well as the callsign of the commander of the 3d Corps, General-Leytenant Ye. Ya. Savitskiy-"Dragon", were known during the time of the basic conflicts of the Great Patriotic War (GPW) on both sides of the front during the battles for the Kuban, southern Ukraine, and Crimea, during the liberation of Belorussia, Lithuania, and Poland, and during the capture of Berlin. And though the callsign of the regiment’s pilots was "Skvorets" [Starling], just the same they were genuine "dragons" in the air.

I hope that you and we (authors) together shall share the impressions about this first monography completely describing a history of Russian VVS fighter regiment(only 30 planes but four years of War).

Best regards
Vlad

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

Congratulations for Vladislav Antipov and Igor Utkin!

Marek W. PIŁAT

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol
 

hello Vlad,

A good news that I was waiting for a long already! It seems very soon come to true.
Good look to Vlad and Igor!
BR Audrius

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

Congratulations!



Ed West

Sample Pages - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

Book sample pages on attached file.

Best regards!

Vlad Antipov

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

hi, Vlad, any update on this book ?

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

Excellent news, this will definitely be one for the bookshelf.

I hope you will post here Vlad when the book is published, or perhaps can provide a link to the publisher?

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

Our guest of the 9th Kalamazoo Russian Festival was none other but Valery Mashenkin whose father Alexei Mashenkin is one of the heroes of the 812 Regiment.

We are looking forward to featuring the book at our 10th Festival on October 29 this year. Any chance getting the book by that date?

Alexander Boltenko
Deputy Director of the Festival
http://russianfestival.org

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol
 

Any update on this book?

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol
 

Any update now?

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

Almost a year later and no news. Has the book been published yet? It would be a real shame if this one doesn't reach the bookshelves. :)

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

Dear Sirs and friends!

Today my publisher informed me that the book is in a printinghouse and will be soon printed. He hopes that the book will be will go on sale in October - November of this year.
I think that you will be not disappointed!
I and my colleague we work above continuation of this series.
We hope that after the first part there will be also a second part. And as we already for 80 percent write books about 291IAP(1941-1947) and 402IAP(1941-2006)

Yours faithfully to you friends!

PS
It would be interesting to you to read about new regiments of the VVS?
As we plan to issue the whole series regementalmonographies -units histories.

Book cover
http://vif2ne.ru/nvi/forum/files/Ily...s3-outside.gif

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

Thanks for the update, what is the ISBN for your book ? would we be able to buy your book via amazon.com ?

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

That's great news Vlad. I'll keep and eye out for it. And the cover looks excellent. :)

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

Privet' Vlad,

Congratulations for your new book!
Will it include detailed victory and loss lists?

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

Congratulations Vlad
Your book looks very interesting, I'll probably buy a copy. I'd be very interested in a history in english of any of the IAPs which fought against Finland in 1941 - 44.

Juha

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

Hello!

Small comments on your questions.
The book has the code - ISBN 0978069609

The book contains many appendices
Including -
Victories of the 812th IAP pilots on the Kalinin Front
Pilot losses of the 812th IAP on the Stalingrad Front
Victories of the 812th IAP pilots on the Stalingrad Front
Combat results for 812th IAP pilots on the Kalinin and Stalingrad Fronts
Pilots of the 812th IAP transferred to newly formed regiments
Pilot losses of the 812th IAP in the Kuban battles
Victories of the 812th IAP pilots in the Kuban battles
Pilot losses of the 812th IAP in the South Ukraine battles
Victories of the 812th IAP in the South Ukraine battles
Etc. more than 20 appendices.

Denes, in the separate chapter I have touched theme Hs.129 and I think you as the expert in this plane will find interesting moments, as well as all victories of pilots above Hs.129.

Whether I not precisely can tell will the book to be on sale onamazon.
The publisher has told me that prepares Internet page on which there will be an opportunity to order the book.
The Internet page as he said,will be ready in middle of September.

Best regards
Vlad

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol
 

Privet!

How about 159 IAP ? Similarily to 812 IAP not elevated to Guards status. Reading Finnish materials - published and archival - it seems La-5 were regarded the most dangerous opponent (1943-44). In 13VA there was only one La-5 regiment - 159 IAP. I suppose Andrej Dikov will take care of the Baltic Fleet La-5 regiments anyway?


Cheers,

Kari

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

Hello!

I understand that the Finnish friends want to read about the site of Finnish front.
Among my colleagues there are two enthusiasts which write the monography about 27 "Vyborgskiy" GIAP (ex 123IAP) one son from them HSU G.N.Zhidov
Unfortunately I do not know in what stage there is their work.

I and my friend Igor Utkin further we plan to work above a history 134GBAP, 10ORAP, 108GShAP and certainly on the first place of a regiments from structure 3IAK. as I spoke earlier on 80 percents books about 291 and 402IAP are ready.(100000 words and 200 photos)
But unfortunately I do not know when it will be printed.

I hope that all this will be carried out in an interval of 10-15 years.
All depends on that as the reader will accept the new book and as sales will be carried out.
I hope that my publisher will not be afflicted with it, and will speak - give me more, more, more :)

Regards
Vlad

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

Hello Vlad
as I wrote before I'll probably buy a copy of Your book. Besides that I expect that I'll get an interesting unit history I also expect that I'll learn a lot more on Kuban air battles from Your book!

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

Hi Vlad,

I'm looking forward to this book too, especially the section on the Kuban air battles.

Keep up the good work

Best Regards

Andy Fletcher

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

Hello Vlad,

Is it possible to also include aircraft losses, not only pilot losses? It's a huge difference! I know that such very precise matériel loss lists do exist in the Russian archives.
Such comprehensive aircraft losses will help us determine how accurate air victory claims were, on both sides. I am afraid pilot losses only are not enough.

Quote:

Denes, in the separate chapter I have touched theme Hs.129 and I think you as the expert in this plane will find interesting moments, as well as all victories of pilots above Hs.129.

Certainly, I am looking forward to reading about Hs 129 victory claims. Based on my research very few losses were due to fighters, as most combat losses were inflicted by flak and ground fire.

Quote:

The publisher has told me that prepares Internet page on which there will be an opportunity to order the book.

I will certainly order a copy, when available.

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

I will order a copy too, vlad, please let us know as soon as your book is available on the market

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

Congratulations, Vlad! I'm sure this will be a great book, and I'll preorder a copy as soon as the publisher gives us a contact address.

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

from stone & stone, this book would come out in this month

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

This book is now available. I obtained my copy from Aviation World, in Toronto (http://www.aviationworld.net/Default.asp?c=143019). I could not find it on their website, but I phoned them to ask about another book, and since this is published in Canada, asked them about it as well. Softcover, slick paper, 8.5 by 11 inches, x+150 pages. This is volume one, covering the period July 1942 to mid-May 1944. Many photographs, well reproduced, including examples of original Soviet documents. Highly recommended. I look forward to Volume 2 to complete the history.

Frank.

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

Frank, this book has not been listed on this web site, do I have to call them to place an order ?

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

Marsyao,

You may have to phone them. They have an 800 number, good for a free call anywhere from North America. You can also email them; their email address is listed on the website, and the "Contact Us" page has an email form. I would assume it will be listed on their website eventually.

Enjoy!

Frank.

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

Thanks ! I already sent them an email

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

Hello everybody,
Just a quick note here to let you know that the examples of "Dragons on Bird Wings" available from Aviation World and Air Support Books and Hobbies were only a portion of their pre-orders which we fulfilled from the small advanced shipment we received from our printers. This came via air cargo prior to the main shipment coming via ship/rail (enroute and nearly here!).

If you find that they've run out, you'll be happy to know both of those vendors, as well as some half dozen others around the world (who have already spoken for pre-orders), should have their stock shortly. More stores are expressing interest as we get the word out, so don't hesitate to ask at your favourite bookseller / hobby shop.

If all goes well with Customs clearance of our bulk shipment this coming week, we will be fulfilling store orders within the next week.

Additionally, our website www.aviaeology.com will be live soon. There we will have a pre-order feature and shopping cart convenience. If you'd like to reserve your copy prior to the site going up, just email Alison on preorders@aviaeology.com with your name, full mailing address, and a return email address. She'll be happy to put you in queue (pre-orders save some on shipping), prepare your package, and then send you an email to arrange payment.

On behalf of the authors and myself, thanks for your encouragement and support.
Regards,
Terry @ Aviaeology

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

I just placed an order at http://www.aviationworld.net/Default.aspc=143019, they still have a few copies available

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

I am looking forward to buying a copy of your book, as soon as possible.

I made some extensive research related to this topic - even wrote a short study that awaits publication - so your findings would be most interesting.

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

Can someone who has already received the book tell me what the ISBN is.

Cheers

Andy Fletcher

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

The ISBN is ISBN 0-9780696-0-9

and the MSRP is US$39.99

Cheers, Terry @ Aviaeology

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

Hi Terry,

Thanks for the info. I've just pre-ordered the book via Alison (very quick and efficient).

Best Regards

Andy Fletcher

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

Hello again All:
The first itteration of our website is finally up... www.aviaeology.com All of the Dragons on Bird Wings bits are working with the exception of the PRE-ORDER form (MURPHY does indeed have laws!). I'm still trying to sort this out with our ISP, so in the meantime, if you wouldn't mind just simply emailing pre-orders to Alison at preorders@aviaeology.com with your info, she'll put you in queue.
Cheers,
Terry @ Aviaeology

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

OK, the pre-order forms area is working now. Order away!
Thanks,
Terry

Re: Forthcoming book - Dragons on Bird Wings A Combat History of the 812th"Sevastopol"IAP
 

The main shipment has arrived from the printers! The webiste - www.aviaeology.com - has been updated with removal of the PRE-ORDER option and an activated regular ADD TO CART button.

Folks who have pre-ordered will receive their processing page info within the next day or 2 as we prepare all of the orders for shipment.

A BIG THANK YOU to all here at 12 O'Clock High!http://www.aviaeology.com