The "Night Witches": Fearless Russian Female Pilots of WWII Night Bombing Missions

During the harrowing years of World War II, a group of fearless Russian female pilots, known as the "Night Witches," carried out daring bombing missions at night. From 1941, these remarkable women played a crucial role in the Soviet war effort, striking fear into the hearts of their enemies and earning their legendary nickname. The Night Witches, or the 588th Night Bomber Regiment, were an all-female squadron of pilots, navigators, and ground crew. These courageous women volunteered to fly outdated Polikarpov Po-2 biplanes on nocturnal bombing raids, targeting German military installations, supply depots, and troops.