Alexei Shirikin

Russian aviator born in Nytva the February 24th 1897 and deceased the February 8th 1938. It was one of the pioneers of the Soviet fighter force during the years 1920-30.

Its career

First World War

As of the beginnings of the first world war it was used as fighter pilot for 1° I.A. (= Istrebitelnyi Aviaotryad , i.e.: fighter squadron) of the Imperial Air force, within which, of May 1916 at October 1917, it gained 4 air victories.

Civil war

In 1918, after the seizure of power by the Bolsheviks, it joined the rows of the Red Army and, as of 1919, it accepted the command of the 7° I.A. with which it fought the white armed forces on the Southern Face, obtaining, on September 24th, 1919, 3 victories during the same day.

It was then directed on the Western Face, vis-a-vis the new Polish army. The April 20th and March 14th 1920, it cut down 2 double Flemish bonds, becoming thus very first the " as" official of the Soviet Air forces.

The years 1920 - 1930

After the soviéto-Polish war it remained in the Red Army and took the command of the 4° Air Division, finishing its career as general.

Its prize list

It is credited with 9 approved victories : 4 gained during the First World War and 5 others within the air section of the Red Army .

Decorations

It was titular Orders following tsarists:

4 Cross of Saint-Georges;
Order of Saint-Vladimir with swords;

and of Soviet decorations:

2 Order of the Red Flag

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