The Story of Soviet Women Bomber Pilots: Who Were They?

World War II saw many heroes; among them was a unique group of Soviet women whose bravery in the skies was legendary. These women, part of the Night Witches, were an all-female Soviet air regiment that played a crucial role during the war. They were most noted for their nightly bombing raids on German lines and were both feared and respected by their enemies. Let’s delve into who these courageous women were.

Marina Raskova

Often compared to Amelia Earhart, Marina Raskova was instrumental in founding the regiment. Raskova, a renowned pilot and navigator, leveraged her reputation and proximity to Soviet leadership to form three all-female air units. Under her guidance, the 588th Night Bomber Regiment was born, a unit that would remain entirely female throughout the war.

Pilots of the 588th Regiment: The regiment comprised about 400 women, aged from 17 to 25. They faced immense challenges, from rigorous crash courses in aviation to sexism from their male counterparts. Despite this, they rose above these challenges, piloting their Polikarpov Po-2 planes—outdated and fragile biplanes made of canvas and plywood—into the heart of the war.

Below are some notable pilots from the 588th Regiment:

Yevdokiya Bershanskaya

As the commanding officer of the 588th, Bershanskaya led her regiment with distinction throughout the war.

Nadezhda Popova

One of the most celebrated members, Popova flew a staggering 852 missions over the course of the war, showcasing incredible bravery and skill.

Irina Sebrova

Conducting over 1,000 sorties, Sebrova was another standout pilot whose fearless contributions exemplified the spirit and effectiveness of the Night Witches.

Tatyana Makarova

Served as a flight commander in the prestigious 46th Taman Guards Night Bomber Aviation Regiment, a distinguished position within one of the three groundbreaking women’s aviation regiments established by the pioneering aviatrix Marina Raskova.

The Night Witches

The Night Witches’ strategy involved three planes flying in tandem on bombing runs. The first two planes would draw enemy fire, while the third would cut its engines and glide silently to drop bombs on the target—a technique that unnerved their enemies, earning them their fearsome nickname.

Despite the outdated equipment and harsh conditions, these women not only succeeded but thrived under pressure, executing precise bombings that significantly affected German operations. The regiment’s contribution was vital, running approximately 30,000 sorties throughout the war, a testament to their skill and determination.