 |
Nadezhda PopovaPilot, participant in the Great Patriotic War
Date of Birth: 27.12.1921
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Early Life and Aviation Career
- Moscow and Military Aviation
- Flight Training and Evacuation
- Joining the Women's Aviation Force
- Frontline Service with the Night Witches
- 46th Guards Night Bomber Regiment
- Post-War Life and Legacy
- Honors and Awards
- Order of Lenin
Early Life and Aviation Career
Born into a working-class family in Stalino (now Donetsk, Ukraine) in 1921, Nadezhda Popova's passion for aviation ignited at a young age. In 1936, she joined the local flying club and quickly rose through the ranks as an instructor.
Moscow and Military Aviation
In 1939, Popova traveled to Moscow to pursue her dream of becoming a military pilot. With the support of legendary aviator Polina Osipenko, she enrolled in the Kherson Aviation School of the Voluntary Society for Cooperation with the Army, Air Force, and Navy (OSOAVIAKhIM). She went on to graduate from the Donetsk Military Aviation School in 1940 as a pilot-navigator.
Flight Training and Evacuation
As the war broke out, Popova served as an instructor at her former flying club, where she trained two groups of pilots. With the evacuation of the school to Kattakurgan, Uzbekistan, she continued to prepare fighter pilots for the front while persistently appealing for her own deployment.
Joining the Women's Aviation Force
In response to Popova's request, she was summoned to Moscow and joined the "Group 122" of female pilots being organized by Marina Raskova. From Moscow, the group traveled to Engels, where Raskova was forming three women's aviation regiments: fighter, dive bomber, and night bomber. Popova volunteered for the night bomber regiment.
Frontline Service with the Night Witches
In May 1942, Popova deployed to the front as part of the 588th Night Bomber Aviation Regiment. Flying Po-2 light bombers, the regiment earned the nickname "Night Witches" from German soldiers due to their stealth and effectiveness. Popova's skills in maneuvering and evading enemy fire earned her the Order of the Red Banner.
46th Guards Night Bomber Regiment
In 1943, the 588th Regiment was redesignated as the 46th Guards Night Bomber Regiment for its exceptional performance. Popova and her fellow pilots fought valiantly in Ukraine, Crimea, Belarus, Poland, and Germany, carrying out over 850 combat missions.
Post-War Life and Legacy
After the war, Popova married fighter pilot Stepan Kharlamov and continued her service until 1952, retiring as a major. She became an honorary citizen of Donetsk and a respected figure in Russian society. From 1975, she played a pivotal role as the head of the public commission for youth work within the Russian Committee of Veterans of War and Military Service.
Honors and Awards
In 1945, Popova was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for her bravery and heroism. Her other decorations include:
Order of Lenin
3 Orders of the Red Banner3 Orders of the Patriotic War, 1st class
Order of Friendship of Peoples
Medals
Honors from foreign countries
