Soviet women during World War II (PHOTOS)
War has an unwomanly face, but the “weaker sex” proved itself heroically, both on the home front and at the front line.
‘Tyl – Fronty’ (‘Home Front to Front’) was one of the main Soviet slogans of the war. Women abandoned their usual pursuits and focused on supplying the front. They worked in a wide variety of industries, including the preparation of ammunition.
They also sewed uniforms for soldiers…
…and had to master traditionally male professions, like working in a foundry.
With most men at the front, women had to fully manage their households, as well. During the difficult years of the Leningrad Siege, some were engaged in preparing firewood.
They patrolled the streets of the besieged city at night…
…and learned how to extinguish incendiary bombs.
Of course, nurses and medical assistants made an invaluable contribution, rescuing wounded soldiers on the battlefield under enemy fire.
Women not only supported the army, but also fought successfully themselves. Special military training courses were organized for them.
Some women became renowned snipers, e.g. Lyudmila Pavlichenko is still considered the most effective female sniper in world history.
Women were also successful aviators who kept the Luftwaffe in fear. Pilots of the 586th Women's Fighter Aviation Regiment: Maria Kuznetsova, Yekaterina Budanova, and Lydia Litvyak are pictured (R-L) beside an aircraft.
Women even joined tank crews. Pictured below is Alexandra Samusenko, a participant in the ‘Battle of Kursk’ and commander of a T-34 tank platoon.
Rare moments of rest and quiet: Pilots of the 46th Guards Night Bomber Aviation Regiment at a front line dugout.
Many women became partisans. In the photo below, you can see how they are escorting captured Nazis with pitchforks.
And many of these “sisters in arms” reached Berlin together with the Soviet troops.
Soviet cinema made many movies about them and front line writers celebrated their feats.
