The Night Witches

“the night witches” is the German nickname that was given for the all female military aviators of the 588th Night Bomber Regiment, known later as the 46th “Taman” Guards Night Bomber Aviation Regiment, of the Soviet Air Forces. They got their nickname because their planes were so light that they made noises that were thought to be what a witch’s broom stick would sound like.

The regiment of young women, ranged from about 17 years old to their early 20’s, was active from 1942 to 1945 and flew over 23,000 sorties, dropping over 3,000 tons of bombs and 26,000 incendiary shells.

It was the most highly decorated female unit in the Soviet Air Force, with many pilots having flown over 800 missions by the end of the war and twenty-three having been awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union title. Thirty-two of its members died in the war.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_Witches

https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2015/06/night-witches-wwii-female-pilots

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=–xfK_Uhly4&t=111s