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Kabdul BektasovTransport worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan, veteran of the Great Patriotic War
Date of Birth: 15.10.1924
Country:  Kazakhstan |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- School Years
- Military Service in World War II
- Deployment to Eastern Europe
- Post-War Service
- Military Honors
- Career in Civil Aviation
- Commercial Aviation
- International Assignments
- Recognition and Accomplishments
- Accident Investigation
- Literary Contributions
- Memoir and Other Publications
- Travelogue
Early Life and Education
Birth and ChildhoodKabdula Utepanovich Bektasov was born in the village of Novaya Kazanka, Zhanaozen district, West Kazakhstan region, in the fall of 1924. The exact date is unknown, so October 15th was recorded as his birthday. He lost his father at the early age of 9 when his father passed away in 1934.
School Years
Despite the loss of his father, Bektasov excelled in school. He graduated with a gold medal, showcasing his academic prowess. Throughout his school years, he also diligently assisted his mother, Zeynep, on the farm, performing various tasks such as cleaning the cow shed, tending to calves, and transporting ayran using a cart drawn by oxen. He also gained practical experience as an assistant veterinarian and on a hay harvester.
Military Service in World War II
Conscription and Military TrainingIn 1942, Bektasov was conscripted into the army from the village of Birlik. He underwent examinations and was subsequently sent to the Leningrad Military College of Communications, which had been evacuated to Uralsk. In 1943, he was assigned to the airborne troops being formed in Yakhroma near Moscow.
Deployment to Eastern Europe
In 1944, Bektasov was transferred to the 14th Independent Guards Signal Company of the 103rd Guards Airborne Division in Teikovo, Ivanovo region. He saw combat on the 2nd Ukrainian Front in Poland, Hungary, and Austria.
Post-War Service
After the war ended, Bektasov continued to serve in Czechoslovakia and Hungary. In 1946, he was relocated to Ryazan, and later to Polotsk in Belarus. He was demobilized in March 1947.
Military Honors
In recognition of his wartime service, Bektasov was awarded several prestigious medals, including the Order of the Red Star, the Order of the Patriotic War 1st and 2nd degree, and the medals for the capture of Budapest and the Victory over Germany.
Career in Civil Aviation
Education and Flight TrainingAfter retiring from the military, Bektasov pursued a career in civil aviation. He initially enrolled in the Moscow Institute of Transport Engineers but later transferred to the Troitsk Aviation Technical School due to financial constraints. There, he received the qualification of a flight mechanic and graduated in 1950.
Commercial Aviation
Bektasov began his aviation career as a flight mechanic for the Alma-Ata airline. He flew on Li-2, Il-12, and Il-18 aircraft. In 1957, he transitioned to the Tu-104, becoming one of the first Kazakhstanis to operate this type of aircraft. He also underwent training on the Tu-154 while working as an instructor in the Training and Training Detachment (UTO).
International Assignments
In 1961, Bektasov was among a group of elite Soviet aviation specialists sent to Ghana to provide support and training after the country gained independence. He flew international routes out of Ghana to destinations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Recognition and Accomplishments
Distinguished ServiceIn 1973, Bektasov was awarded the title of Honored Worker of Transport. He was recognized for his exceptional contributions to the aviation industry and for accumulating over 1 million flight hours.
Accident Investigation
Bektasov served on flight accident investigation commissions throughout the Soviet Union, sharing his expertise and contributing to safety improvements.
Literary Contributions
Retirement and WritingUpon retiring from aviation in 1985, Bektasov turned his attention to writing. He undertook the meticulous task of compiling the first Russian-Kazakh dictionary of aviation terms, which was published after Kazakhstan declared independence.
Memoir and Other Publications
Bektasov wrote a memoir entitled "Notes of a Radio Operator," which recounted his wartime experiences and vividly portrayed the camaraderie and hardships faced by soldiers. The book was initially published in Almaty but later gained wider circulation through online platforms.
Travelogue
Bektasov's second book, "Years Spent in Flight," was written in his native Kazakh language. It chronicled his aviation career, including his extended assignment in Ghana, where he provided unique insights from the perspective of a Soviet and Kazakh aviation professional.
