BULGARIAN EARLY AVIATORS
by John Cochrane, 5-10-08
 
  NIKIFOR BOGDANOV. Graduate of Bleriot school, Etampes. Demonstrated attack on balloon during manoeuvres 1912. Commanded 1st squadron 1st Balkan War. Took part in first combat!? (that is two opposing aircraft in same air space). No shots exchanged. During 2nd Balkan War took part in 1st mass bomber raid (4 a/c)

STEFAN KALIMOV Joined 2nd Balkan War Jan. 1913. Took part in Bogdanov's massed bomber attack

RAYNA KASABOVA 1ST Bulgarian woman to graduate

YORDAN KAZANDIJEV pilot in 1st aircraft squadron

NIKOLA MANKOV Graduated from both Bleriot school, Etampes and Voisin school

RADUL MILKOV Also claimed 1st air combat. Arrived from Etampes on eve of 1st Balkan War and given command of 1st Aircraft squadron. Flew Albatros F III Tool part in Bogdanov's massed bombing attack.

SIMON PETROV One of founding fathers of Bulgarian aviation. 1st Bulgarian to fly in Bulgaria. Led Bogdanov in demonstration attack on balloon 1912. Commanded 2nd aircraft squadron. 2nd Balkan War attempted bombing of Constantinople, Turkey's capital.

IVAN PLATNIKOV. Graduated Etampes 1912

PENIU POPKRUSTEV. Graduated Wright school, Berlin 1912Commanded 3rd squadron, 2nd Balkan War

DIMITAR SAKELAROV. Graduated Etampes 1912

KRUSTIU SAMSAROV. Graduated Etampes and Sommer school, Murmelon

HRISTO TOPRAKCHIEV. Graduated Etampes 1910. Took part in demonstration attack on balloon. Another claimant for 1st air combat. member 1st aircraft squadron. October 1912. Killed in accident 19th October. 1st Bulgarian aviation fatality.

VASIL ZLATAROV True father of Bulgarian aviation. Made 1st balloon ascent in 1892. Graduated St Petersburg Aeronautical School 1902 and command 1st Aeronautical squadron 1906 (All balloons) Defended balloon against aircraft demonstration 1912. Appointed commander 1st aircraft squadron October 1912

PHOTOS EXIST FOR MOST OF THESE. SEVERAL FOR PETROV, BOGDANOV AND ZLATAROV
 

 
 
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