GoKawiilConception [ edit ] In October 1941, Major Marina Raskova was granted authority to select candidates for the 122nd Composite Air Group, an all-female aviation regiment. Raskova had already established several world records in long-distance non-stop flights and was referred to as the "Russian Amelia Earhart" for her achievements.[7] When the Germans invaded in 1941, young women began writing Raskova letters, asking how they could best serve their country using their flight skills. Raskova used her personal connection with Stalin to obtain approval to establish the regiment.[8] Stalin was quick to approve of the initiative, as he had a general interest in the women's "tremendous international propaganda value."[9]
Sorties/missions [ edit ] Throughout the course of the war the regiment accumulated approximately 23,672 sorties in combat, including in the following battles:[11] Battle of the Caucasus – 2,920 sorties
Kuban, Taman, Novorossiysk – 4,623 sorties
Crimean Offensive – 6,140 sorties
Belarus Offensive – 400 sorties
Poland Offensive – 5,421 sorties
German Offensive – 2,000 sorties In total the regiment collectively accumulated 28,676 flight hours, dropped over 3,000 tons of bombs and over 26,000 incendiary shells, damaging or completely destroying 17 river crossings, nine railways, two railway stations, 26 warehouses, 12 fuel depots, 176 armored cars, 86 firing points, and 11 searchlights. In addition to bombings, the unit performed 155 supply drops of food and ammunition to Soviet forces.[11]
Post-War life [ edit ] In 1917, Russia became the first country to declare legal equality for women, which allowed them to enter military service. Women were inherently equal to men in both rights and responsibilities, as social equality was a fundamental part of the Communist ideology. After World War II, however, women in Russia were treated as they always had been, especially before the 1917 law was passed. A common dilemma for these women grew out of the social pressures compelling them to place more importance on the family instead of an aviation or military career.[8] Irina Rakobolskaya, pilot with the 588th Regiment, rationalized the difficult reality and challenges she faced to pursue both a family and piloting career when she stated, “I think that during the war, when the fate of our country was being decided, the bringing in of women into aviation was justified. But in peacetime a woman can only fly for sport...otherwise how can one combine a career with a family and with maternal happiness?”[27]
In popular culture [ edit ] The Night Witches inspired the song "Night Witches" by Swedish power metal band Sabaton.
The tabletop role-playing game "Night Witches" by Jason Morningstar unites contemporary gender issues with Soviet war drama where players portray these night witches.
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