14 May 2026

During World War II, a regiment of Soviet women flew antiquated biplanes on night bombing missions over German positions. To avoid detection, they would cut their engines and glide silently over targets before restarting. German soldiers, unsettled by the faint whisper of their approach, called them Nachthexen: the Night Witches. The regiment flew more than 23,000 sorties, and German pilots who downed one received a special commendation.