Alois Vašátko

Who was Alois Vašátko?

Alois Vašátko DSO DFC was a Czech fighter pilot. Together with Josef František and Karel Kuttelwascher Vašátko is one of the most successful Czech fighter pilots.

Vašátko was born in Čelákovice on 25 August 1908. After graduating from a teachers' institute, he became a teacher in Litoměřice. A couple of months later he was drafted into the army. He finished his military service in 1929 and started studies at several army institutes. During 1937 he attended pilot training in Olomouc, and by September 1938 he was commanding officer of Letka C.14, equipped with the Letov Š-328 biplane.

Following the first dissolution of Czechoslovakia and the annexation of Bohemia and Moravia by Nazi Germany, he fled the country. He travelled to France via Poland and after re-training at a fighter school at Chartres he joined Groupe de Chasse I/5. Flying a Curtiss 75, he shot down 3 aircraft solo, shared in 9 group kills and shared in two 'probables'. He became the most successful Czechoslovak fighter pilot in the Battle of France.

After the retreat from France Vašátko took part in the Battle of Britain. As an RAF Pilot Officer he joined No. 312 Squadron and, together with S/L Denys Gillam and Sgt.