Lions Led By Donkeys Podcast Episode 248 - The Night Witches of WWII
Feb 20, 2023
Discover the remarkable story of the all-female Soviet night bomber unit in WWII that terrorized the Nazis. Learn about their daring tactics, including silent gliding attacks and the use of a slow but effective wooden biplane. Hear how Marina Raskova championed women's roles in aviation despite significant gender barriers and training challenges. Explore the gripping legacy of these pilots, their surprising success, and the sexism they faced even postwar. It's a captivating mix of bravery, strategy, and history!
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Brawn Without Modernization
- The Soviet Air Force was huge on paper but ineffective due to outdated planes and poor maintenance.
- Quantity without modern equipment and doctrine produced a weak frontline air capability.
Bomber-First Doctrine Backfired
- Soviet doctrine favored bombers over fighters, reflecting Giulio Douhet-style thinking.
- This led to halved fighter production and left the air force vulnerable to more balanced enemies.
Purges Broke Command Continuity
- Purges decimated experienced officers and disrupted training capacity across the Air Force.
- Rapid expansion without instructors left the Soviet air arm with severe leadership gaps.
