Eduard Pulpe Bomber pilot Date of Birth: 22.06.1880 Country: Latvia

1. Birth and Education
2. Academics and Aviation
3. Military Service in France
4. Return to Russia
5. Aerial Victories and Controversy
6. Final Flight and Death
7. Legacy

Birth and Education

Eduard Wilhelm Alexander Martinowitsch Pulpe was born on June 22, 1880, in Riga, Latvia. His wealthy parents gave him an excellent education. He excelled in mathematics and built his own airplane in 1911, reportedly flying it over the Baltic Sea.

Academics and Aviation

From 1906 to 1907, Pulpe worked at the Mechanical Laboratory with renowned scientists Sergey Chaplygin and Nikolay Zhukovsky. He then enrolled in the Physics and Mathematics Faculty of Moscow University (or St. Petersburg University, according to some sources) and graduated with honors in 1907.

Pulpe pursued a master's degree at the University of Heidelberg in Germany and later taught mathematics in Moscow and Riga. In 1912, he traveled to France and earned his aviator's diploma in 1913.

Military Service in France

Pulpe volunteered for the French Army in November 1915 and became a fighter pilot with the rank of sergeant. On September 23, 1915, he successfully bombed an enemy railway station and escaped severe damage to his aircraft. He also shot down two enemy planes in aerial battles over Verdun.

On March 20, 1916, Pulpe attacked three enemy aircraft, destroying one and forcing another to flee despite sustaining damage to his own plane. Three days later, he again shot down an enemy plane and chased away another, returning to base with significant damage.

Return to Russia

With the arrival of French aviation squadrons in Russia, Pulpe returned to his homeland in 1916. He joined the 8th Fighter Aviation Detachment flying a "Nieuport-11."

Aerial Victories and Controversy

Pulpe reportedly shot down three German planes over enemy territory, but these were not officially recognized because of Russian rules. Later, a captured German pilot revealed these victories.

However, on June 10, 1916, Pulpe downed a German plane for his only officially confirmed victory. He was known for his determination and unwavering spirit, earning him the nickname "the pilot with a volcano in his heart."

Final Flight and Death

On July 20, 1916, Pulpe engaged with a group of German "Albatros" fighters and was shot down over the village of Rozhitse. Despite being wounded, he continued to fight until his aircraft crashed.

Pulpe was killed in action and became a symbol of bravery. His remains were returned to his hometown of Riga, and he was posthumously awarded the Order of St. George, 4th degree.

Legacy

Eduard Pulpe is remembered as a talented and courageous aviator who made significant contributions to the development of aviation in both France and Russia. His heroic spirit and determination continue to inspire aviators around the world.