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Ernst ShahtMajor General of Aviation, Heroes of the National Revolutionary War in Spain
Date of Birth: .
Country:  Austria |
Content:
- Ernst Heinrich Alfred Schacht: A Trailblazing Aviator and Hero
- Service in the National-Revolutionary War in Spain
- Post-War Career
- Arrest and Execution
- Legacy
Ernst Heinrich Alfred Schacht: A Trailblazing Aviator and Hero
Early Life and CareerErnst Heinrich Alfred Schacht, born in Germany to a working-class family, began working from the tender age of fourteen. After initial stints as a painter and electrical assistant, he faced persecution for his political affiliations and emigrated to the USSR in 1922.
Enlisting in the Red Army Air Forces (RKKA) in 1923, Schacht's exceptional abilities earned him a place at the prestigious Borisoglebsk Military Aviation School in 1924. He subsequently graduated from the Serpukhov Higher Military Aviation School, excelling in aerial combat, gunnery, and bombing techniques.
Service in the National-Revolutionary War in Spain
In September 1936, Schacht joined the conflict in Spain as a military advisor, initially training Republican pilots. By October 1936, he was commanding the 1st Squadron of SB bombers, based at Tomelloso airfield.
Schacht's squadron played a pivotal role in the conflict, destroying numerous enemy aircraft and inflicting heavy losses on enemy forces. He was awarded the Order of Lenin for his exceptional bravery and leadership in the battles.
Post-War Career
Returning to the USSR in early 1937, Schacht was hailed as a hero and awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. He continued to serve in senior leadership roles within the Soviet Air Force, including as head of the Lipetsk Higher Flight-Tactical School and commander of a reserve aviation regiment in Ryazan.
Arrest and Execution
In May 1941, amidst rising tensions between the USSR and Nazi Germany, Schacht was accused of espionage and arrested as part of a wider purge of senior aviation officers who had served in Spain.
Despite his previous accolades and contributions to the Soviet Air Force, Schacht's trial was summary and biased. He was found guilty of treason and executed in July 1941.
Legacy
Ernst Schacht's legacy as a brilliant aviator and courageous commander was tarnished by the political turmoil of the time. His reputation was posthumously rehabilitated after the fall of the Soviet Union, and his contributions to the defense of the USSR are now rightly recognized.
