Ivan Loiko

Polkovnik Ivan Alexandrovich Loiko (; born 6 February 1892, date of death unknown) was a World War I flying ace credited with six confirmed aerial victories by the scanty and confusing records still existent. He rose to command a fighter unit, the 9th Fighter Aviation Detachment. After serving his czar faithfully until the October Revolution, in December 1918 Loiko joined the White Russian movement to reinstate his sovereign. When they were defeated by the Bolsheviks, Loiko turned to service in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia's air force in 1921. Two years later, he defected back to Russia in a Yugoslavian Breguet 19. From 1924-1929, Loiko served in the Red Army Air Force. In 1929, he was convicted of espionage on behalf of Romania and sentenced to ten years imprisonment. He served five years on Vaygach Island, and remained there after his release from captivity. He is believed to have committed suicide in April 1936.

Biography

Early life and military service

Ivan Loiko was born into a middle-class family in Minsk on 6 February 1892. in 1909. In 1912, he graduated from there ranked as a Podpraporschik and was posted to the 59th Infantry Reserve Battalion. His military performance was such that he was promoted to Praporshik by mid-1913. On 14 October 1914, he was promoted to Podporuchik; his recommendation noted his valorous leadership. In November, he requested training at the Sevastopol Military Flying School. He began classes there on 10 December 1914. On 20 April 1915, he graduated military pilot training. He soon earned the respect of his fellow pilots for his performance as pilot and officer. Hansa-Brandenburg C.I Descended trailing smoke; landed behind own lines Raudatz Victim from Austro-Hungarian Fliegerkompanie 40; victory shared with Grigoriy Suk

Sources of information