"Despite not joining the Air Force, the girl chose a different path, turning into a 'night witch' instead."
Polina Gelman, born on October 24, 1919, in Berdichev, Ukraine, defied conventional expectations and became a celebrated member of the Soviet Union's women's volunteer air regiment, the famous "Night Witches" regiment, during World War II.
Despite her petite stature of 150 cm, Gelman completed a navigator training course and graduated as a gunner-bomber, responsible for bombing accuracy. Her exceptional skill and determination allowed her to excel in her roles, as the Soviet military prioritized capability, courage, and dedication over physical height restrictions during the formation of these specialized units.
In June 1941, Gelman, along with others, demanded to be sent to the front as a volunteer. Her request was granted, and she joined Galina Dokutovich in the forming aviation unit, which later became the "Night Witches" regiment. The regiment, which was created by Marina Raskova, accepted volunteers who could handle the demanding roles regardless of typically preferred physical attributes.
At the North Caucasus Front, Gelman served as the regiment's party secretary and the aviation squadron's communication chief. As a navigator, she was highly valued, with many pilots eager to fly with her as a wingman. Her exceptional navigational skills and her ability to accurately drop bombs made her an invaluable asset to the regiment.
Additional training for Gelman and Dokutovich took place in the city of Engels. It was here that Gelman honed her skills and became an excellent shot, a "Voroshilov shooter," and gained knowledge about field medicine.
The "Night Witches" regiment, which consisted of women between 17 and 22 years old, was renowned for its daring nighttime bombing raids on the enemy. Gelman's service in this regiment was a testament to the Soviet Union's adaptability during wartime, as it demonstrated the acceptance of exceptional women volunteers regardless of traditional physical restrictions.
Gelman's mother, Eля L'vovna, moved with her 1.5-year-old daughter to Gomel, Belarus, in 1920. Before the war began, Gelman entered the historical faculty of Moscow State University and completed three courses. Her academic background, combined with her courage and determination, made her an exceptional member of the "Night Witches" regiment.
Galina Dokučovič, a member of the same regiment, kept a personal diary, providing a unique insight into the lives and experiences of these remarkable women during the war. Gelman's story, along with those of her fellow "Night Witches," continues to inspire and captivate audiences today, serving as a testament to the power of determination and the importance of leveraging all available talent in times of crisis.
- In addition to her successful academic career at Moscow State University, Polina Gelman showcased her news-worthy exploits as a member of the "Night Witches" regiment, a general-news topic that continues to inspire today.
- Although the "Night Witches" regiment primarily focused on war-and-conflicts, its members, such as Gelman, also had expertise in health-and-wellness, exhibiting superior fitness-and-exercise skills that allowed them to handle the physically demanding roles in the Soviet Union's air force.
- As communication chief and navigator, Gelman's contributions extended beyond the battlefield, revealing her knowledge in the science of navigation and strategic planning.
- Gelman's involvement in politics, albeit indirect, was evident through her service as party secretary in the "Night Witches" regiment, signifying a significant milestone for women's health in a male-dominated field.
