YURI ALEXEYEVICH GAGARIN TIMELINE

Born on March 9, 1934 Klushino in the Smolensk region, 160 kilometres to the west of Moscow, on a collective farm.

October 1942 German artillery shells Klushino, blowing up the mill and the church. German occupation begins.

Spring 1943, Yuri’s brother Valentin and sister Zoya abducted by SS to labour camps in Gdansk, escaped, met with Russian troops, and conscripted into Red Army, following advance deep into Germany.

March 9 1944 German troops retreat from Klushino

Late 1945 Valentin & Zoya return home

1946 Yuri inspired by ex-airman teacher

1950 Lyubertsy Steel Plant Apprentice School Foundryman; joins Saratov AeroClub

Spring 1955 Accepted Orenberg Pilot’s School as military cadet

March 26 1957 Ist solo jet flight Mig-15

Oct 4 1957 Sputnik is launched

Oct 27 1957 Marriage to Valya

Nov 6 1957 Qualifies from Orenberg, and posted Nikel airbase, Murmansk on Mig-15 reconnaissance detail

April 10 1959 Daughter Lena born.

October 1959 Examined for a secret and unspecified flight programme.

March 8 1960 Gagarin assigned to cosmonaut training.

June 18 1960  Yuri meets Sergei Korolev – The Chief Designer

July 28 1960 Chaika & Lisicha dog mission explodes after launch, witnessed by Yuri and the other cosmonauts

March 7 1961 Valentina has 2nd daughter Galya

April 7 Final selection of Gagarin to make first flight

April 12 Vostock 1 launch scheduled date

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