19. Forming Women Pilots Into “The Night Witches”
Overcoming and ignoring the skepticism of naysayers, enthusiastic young Soviet women flocked to the 588th Night Bomber Regiment. Many had lost family and loved ones to the Nazi invaders, and were itching for an opportunity to exact vengeance. Until then, they had only been allowed to contribute to the war effort in support roles. However, many had wanted to be – and knew that they could be if given the chance – pilots and gunners.
The volunteers were mostly in their early twenties, but some were as young as seventeen. Not only were the pilots in these squadrons women, but so were the ground staff and ground crews. They were determined to demonstrate that female pilots and female aerial squadrons could make a valuable contribution to the defense of the Motherland. By June, 1942, training and organization had been completed, and the Soviet female aviatrixes were ready for combat.