85 years of the fiery takeoff: Gastello’s feat

June 26, 1941, in the days of the Great Patriotic War, Captain Nikolay Frantsevich Gastello performed a feat that became a legend. The plane engulfed in flames, the captain directed to the very heart of the enemy column. It was not just death – it was a feat, a fiery symbol of unbending will and love for the Motherland. And today, after 85 years, his memory lives not only in our hearts, but also on the streets of cities – for example, in Polotsk, where one of the streets bears the hero’s name.

By the decision of the Polotsk City Council of Workers’ Deputies dated March 11, 1947 No.1815, the newly constructed street in the Zapolotje district was named «N.Gastello Street».

1. Decision of the Executive Committee of the Polotsk City Council of Workers’ Deputies dated 11.03.1947 No.1815. ZGAPol F.658 Op.1 D.41 LL.107, 107 vol.