It's a worldwide story of the Soviet Night Witches who tormented the Nazi's across the Eastern Front. As an all-female squadron, the regiment, they successfully completed more than 30,000 bombing raids and dropped more than 23,000 tons of munitions on advancing German armies over the entire course of World War II.
As told by, allthatsinteresting.com, of course, as many would assume, the motive to this squadron, was that of the desperate effort to find any way to play a role in the war. Many Soviet women in fact wanted to be engaged in combat on the front lines.
Wildely enough, the Night Witches flew in battle with crop dusters, painted by flowers. While the aircraft didn't provide much protection, these ladies made use out of everything that was handed to them. Many of these planes were slow, highly flammable and consisted of absolutely zero armour. But nevertheless, with the smart tactics used by this squadron, they were very successful in the long run.
The Night Witches lined up at an airfield in 1942
It's a known fact, that the trick to their success was many crucial tips. For example, as many people know them, they were almost never spotted on the radar. As they travelled in groups of 3; 2 would act as decoys and draw searchlights and gunfire, while the 3rd would fly in the darkness to head towards the target and drop bombs. When the pilot approached their target, the pilot would shut off their engine and glide to the impending destination. While the gliding speed was very slow, they used this to their advantage, as it made them almost hidden. This continuing until all 3 planes had dropped their bombs.
The name, "Night Witches", was in fact named by the Germans. Due to this gliding technique, the Nazi's referred to their planes and sounds as 'broomsticks'. The Germans became so afraid to the point where they would no longer light cigars, in fears that they would be spotted by these ladies. The 588th Regiment, Night Witches, heard about the nickname and proudly accepted it.
"The Germans were so in awe of the considerable skill of the Night Witches that they spread rumors of the Soviet government enhancing the eyesight of the women with experimental medicine to give them a sort of feline night vision. And the German military responded by automatically issuing a prestigious Iron Cross medal to any German who was able to shoot one of the Night Witches down.", allthatsinteresting.com.
"These daring pilots were women of incredible skill and immeasurable courage. They even celebrated their womanhood by drawing flowers on the sides of their planes and painted their lips with navigational pencils. And all the while the Night Witches cemented their place in history by accomplishing some of the most remarkable feats ever seen in aerial combat."
While many unfortunately died, 32, their memory is never forgotten. The acts that these women took upon themselves, impressed many, including the Fascist leader Joseph Stalin.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
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