Little did I know that the Soviet Union once had an all-female flying corps. They were called the Night Witches Regiment.
The Soviet Union’s 588th Night Bomber Regiment was one of the most remarkable all-female military units of the Second World War. (They were later redesignated as the 46th Guards Night Bomber Aviation Regiment).
The unit was created in 1941 after the German invasion of the Soviet Union. This very cool unit was organized by Marina Raskova. She was a famous Soviet pilot often compared to Amelia Earhart for her aviation achievements and popularity.
The regiment was unique because its pilots, navigators, mechanics, and ground crews were all women. Back then, most militaries limited women to support roles. But these women were on the line. They flew active combat missions against German forces.
The nickname “Night Witches” came from German soldiers, who reportedly called them Nachthexen (“Night Witches”). These female pilots flew mostly at night and used a tactic that was very simple. But it was also psychologically effective. Before reaching a target, they often cut the aircraft engines and glided silently toward bombing runs. German troops heard only a soft rushing sound, likened to a broomstick sweeping through the air. Hence the name.
But despite their badass-ness, they received “lesser” treatment because they were women. You see, they had to fly planes called the Polikarpov Po-2. The model of plane was a slow, two-seat biplane originally designed for training and agricultural work. By World War II standards, the planes were outdated.
The aircraft had major disadvantages. For one, it was constructed largely of wood and canvas. Also, it had minimal instrumentation, no radar, no armor protection, and limited bomb capacity. And. Those planes had open cockpits. Not fun in harsh weather. Plus, the air is cold up there.
Despite all of that, the Night Witches flew more than 24,000 combat missions during the war and dropped thousands of tons of bombs on enemy positions. Some crews reportedly flew up to 15–18 missions in one night under dangerous conditions.
The regiment suffered losses as well. Approximately 30 members died during the war, a significant toll given the unit’s size.
Eventually, they got some recognition.
The unit became one of the most decorated female military formations in history. Numerous members received high Soviet honors, including the title Hero of the Soviet Union, one of the country’s highest distinctions.
I think they must have been pretty incredible.
I wonder if they had families. I wonder what their lives were like outside of their service.
Regardless. Here is to the high-flying women that they were.
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“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” — Louisa May Alcott
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“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” — Coco Chanel
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“She was powerful not because she wasn’t scared but because she went on so strongly, despite the fear.” — Atticus
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