Valentina

Valentina performing at the St. Petersburg Fireman's Harvest Ball.

The Moscow Nurses Brigade, 1954. Valentina, Third from Right.

When I first met Yuri I was a nursing student and strange to say it part of a nurse's gymnastic brigade participating in the Moscow May Day celebrations. What do I remember from our first meeting? Let's see, first of all an overexcited cadet and my friend Helena giggling:"If you want to get a general you must start off with a lieutenant.

( Valentina Gagarin, Memoirs)

Ranks of the Soviet Army/Air Force/Navy

On many occasions, a serving military cosmonaut has been promoted one rank up after returning from a successful

mission e.g. from Captain to Major. The military ranks are:

• Cadet
• Junior or 2nd Lieutenant
• Senior or I st Lieutenant
• Captain
• Major
• Lieutenant-Colonel
• Colonel
• Major-General
• Lieutenant-General
• General
• Marshall

My priorities then were my hair, flying school and chasing Valentina.

(Cadet Yuri Gagarin, 1954)

The Moscow Nurses Brigade, May Day Celebrations, Red Square 1954. Valentina, Front and Centre.

Valentina Gagarin in the Red Square Parade, Moscow 1954. Valentina Centre Top.

"When I first saw Valentina in the revolution wheel on May Day it was expressed to me all the glorious possibilities that life could offer. In short, love at first sight."

(Yuri Gagarin, Road to the Stars)