Anniversary of Hristo Toprakchiev

Hristo Toprakchiev was born on December 16, 1885 in Bourgas. He graduated at the Military School. Toprakchiev took part in a competition for aviators and in the spring of 1912 was sent to France to the school of Louis Bleriot. After graduating he was appointed a commander of the Aeroplane unit. Lieutenant Hristo Toprakchiev was the one to suggest the use of airplanes to drop bombs on Turkish positions. He was one of the first pilots in the world to carry out air missions. He flew over Edirne during the Balkan War on October 17, 18, and 19 in 1912. During his third flight his plane was hit by the enemy. Toprakchiev managed to land, but died in the burning machine. Hristo Toprakchiev was the first victim of the Bulgarian and world military aviation ever. The Bulgarian and French post services have issued postage stamps with the portrait of Hristo Toprakchiev.