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A Bulgarian Air Force Parade Tunic to Lt. Colonel Georgi Genchev Aladjov |
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Lt. Colonel Aladjov was born July 1st, 1912 in the town of Karnobat in the southeastern part of Bulgaria, between Sofia and the Black Sea. He began his military career as an Army Officer, graduating in the 55th Class of His Majesty's Military School. He was ranked as a Podporuchyk (jr. Lt.) in 1936. This formal portrait was probably taken in 1943-44 near the end of the Royal period of Bulgaria. |
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Like many air officers, Aladjov began his air career as a transfer from the infantry in 1938. On October 3, 1939 he was promoted to Poruchyk (Lt.) and in 1940 he became Adjutant of the 1st Army Air Regiment. His parade tunic is ranked for Lt. Col., a rank he achieved after 1943. |
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The tunic is a double breasted coat of fine black wool. It has high lapels meant to be worn with formal shirt and tie. Rank is indicated be shoulder boards sewn directly to the shoulders. The three rings on the cuffs indicate a senior officer grade. Regulations called for the wearing of a broacade belt and aigullettes. |
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Lt. Colonel Aladjov is pictured in front of the Grand Hotel in Sofia, Bulgaria. He would have worn this uniform for formal occasions such as parades, weddings, funerals and the like. |
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There are a variety of small details that appear differently on these uniforms as they were privately tailored. Please look at the variety of styles in the photo section for Bulgaria. |
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These pictures show clearly the effect of the new Soviet order of 1944 and after. The crown has been removed from the Bulgarian AF branch of service wing and the buttons have been re-sewn with the crowns facing down. |
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This is the Bulgarian Observer badge that was current during the late 30's and WWII. The eagle with raised wings faces the rising sun of the east, wreathed in oak and laurel leaves, atop the Bulgarian Lion and topped by the royal crown. |
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The Bulgarian formal officer cap was one of three visor caps that were worn as regulation. In addition to this dark blue parade cap, there was a light blue cap to go with the service dress and an olive wool cap to go with the field dress. All caps reflect a strong Germanic style with a steep rise in the crown and a short brim. |
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The sleeve rank braid indicates class of officer. Three rings indicated a senior officer. This only appears on the parade tunic. |
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| The restored left shoulderboard. The cypher and crown had been removed and the pips replaced with Soviet-style stars as part of the new Communist governement of post-1944 Bulgaria |
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The restored right shoulderboard. The cypher is that of Tsar Boris III, last monarch of Bulgaria. |
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Georgi Genchev Aladjov
- Born July 1st 1912 in the town of Karnobat, southeastern Bulgaria
- Graduated from the 55th class of His Majesty's Army Officer's School
- Moved from the Infantry to the Air Force in 1938
- Podporuchyk (Junior Lieutenant) - 1936
- Poruchyk (Lieutenant) - 3 October 1939
- Captain - 14 September 1943
Commands
- Adjutant of the 1st Army Air Regiment 1940
- Commander of training company at Bozhurishte airfield (main field just outside of Sofia), 1942
- Army Recconaisance Wing 1944
- Commander of Intendant Company at Bozhurishte, 1946
- Manager, HQ of the AF 1947
- Fired from the army 1947
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This formal portrait of Colonel Vassil Valkov, commander of the 6th Bulgarian Fighter Regiment, shows clearly the parade tunic in use. Col. Valkov was executed by the communists at the end of the war.
(photo: Todor Valkov) |
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These pilot images courtesy of Bulgarian WW2 Page at http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Styx/4555/ww2.html. Please see the photo section for more images of uniforms being worn. |
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© Tod Rathbone |
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