Night Witches: A History of the All Female 588th Night Bomber Regiment

by Fergus Mason, HistoryCaps (Editor)

From 1942 until the end of World War II, the Soviets had a secret weapon: women. The 588th Night Bomber Regiment was one of the most decorated units; each member had flew more than 800 missions by the end of the war, and twenty-three were awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union (the highest distinction).

Despite all the awards, the unit is largely forgot now. This book looks at the history of one of the most daring aviations units ever commissioned.

Genres: Nonfiction, World War II, War, History

128 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 27, 2014

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well written, interesting and informative little book that tells the amazing story of the Night Witches. I love know that these women existed. Brave women bombing the Germans in the middle of the night from turned off aeroplanes, gliding so low the air moving over the planes was audible on the ground - do you get more badass that that?
Cummon Reece Witherspoon - make this movie why don'tcha.

[Melinda Rollins · Rating 5 out of 5]

WWII - Night Witches

I have an ever expanding hobby - it started with minority and female involvement in the US during WWII and is growing to include WWI and allied countries in both wars (or as I like to call them, the World War, parts 1 and 2). I first heard of the Night Witches when I was a college student in the 60s and forgot about them until now. This book is an excellent overview of both the history of the regiment and the war between the USSR and Germany. It’s well written and holds interest.

[Armanda Nemeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing... Though it's a short read, it's delightfully written and marvelously sums up the origins, general context and history of some of the most outstanding women: the Night Witches.

[Mike Kern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but informative read

As an aviation and WWII history buff, I’m surprised I hadn’t known about this unit before. After hearing a mention on the radio, I went searching on Amazon and found this book. It perfectly captured the essence the unit’s intriguing story in a quick but enjoyable read.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Less stories and more facts than I hoped, but with the squadron all passed on, I imagine it would be difficult to get more.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and informative with extensive background to help with context.

[Lori Gronewold · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted more information about who were in the night witches

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprisingly well written little book. I was a little disappointed when I saw the dinky publishing job and expected it to be terrible, but it was a great overview of the 588th and their contribution to the war.