Konstantin Kolesnikov Bomber pilot, Heroes of the National Revolutionary War in Spain Date of Birth: 21.05.1908 Country: Ukraine

1. Early Life and Military Career
2. Aviation Training and Squadron Leadership
3. Service in the Spanish Civil War
4. Combat Experience and Strategy
5. Tragic Death
6. Posthumous Recognition

Early Life and Military Career

Konstantin Ilyich Kolesnikov was born into a railway worker's family in Bryansk, Russia. He completed his studies at a factory school and worked as a mechanic at the Bryansk railway depot. In 1927, he joined the Red Army Air Force (RKKA).

Aviation Training and Squadron Leadership

In 1928, Kolesnikov graduated from the Leningrad Military-Theoretical School of Pilots, followed by the 2nd Military School of Pilots in Borisoglebsk in 1930. He served with the 107th Squadron of the 83rd Fighter Aviation Brigade in the Belarusian Military District. He became a member of the All-Union Communist Party (VKP(b)) in 1931.

Service in the Spanish Civil War

In 1935, Kolesnikov was elected to the Central Executive Committee of the USSR. From November 1936 to May 1937, he participated in the National-Revolutionary War in Spain. He was appointed commander of a detachment of the I-16 squadron and, upon the death of the squadron commander, became squadron commander himself.

His squadron, consisting of three detachments, claimed to have shot down 61 aircraft, with Kolesnikov personally accounting for 4 solo kills and 3 in the group. He was awarded the Order of the Red Banner in January 1937.

Combat Experience and Strategy

Kolesnikov's squadron faced their first combat encounter on November 13, 1936. In a subsequent air battle on December 6, he described his tactics as follows:

"I flew in a formation of five, while the other aircraft remained in the Posuelo area. I climbed to 3,100 meters, got behind the rearmost septet, and initiated the approach. The 'Heinkels' noticed us when the distance between us was 300 meters. The entire formation immediately scattered, disrupting their parade formation, but it was too late. All five of our aircraft, firing continuously, passed literally through their formation, almost touching each other. We downed two 'Heinkels' this time."

Tragic Death

On May 12, 1937, Kolesnikov was killed in an airplane crash during a flight between Archena and Alicante. The cause of the accident was initially attributed to pilot error, but subsequent incidents involving wing failures raised suspicions of faulty aircraft.

Posthumous Recognition

On July 4, 1937, Kolesnikov was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. His bravery and leadership during the Spanish Civil War earned him a place in history as a legendary Soviet airman.