Born: 1912 (Belebey, Bashkortostan, Russian Empire)
Died: 1971
Biography:
Maguba Guseynovna Syrtlanova (Russian: Магуба Гусейновна Сыртланова, Tatar: Мәгәбә Гусәйн кызы Сыртланова; 15 July [O.S. 2 July] 1912 – 1 October 1971) was a senior lieutenant and deputy squadron commander in the 46th Taman Guards Night Bomber Aviation Regiment (nicknamed the night witches) during the Second World War. She was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union on 15 May 1946 for having completed 780 sorties during the war.
Early Life:
Born on 15 July [O.S. 2 July] 1912 to a Tatar family in Belebey, Bashkortostan of the Russian Empire, Maguba Syrtlanova’s passion for aviation began to take shape after completing her secondary education in 1927. She continued her studies at the Kazan Chemistry College but was unable to finish, as she had to relocate to the Uzbek SSR with her older brother. Despite this setback, Syrtlanova embraced the opportunities that came her way and worked as a telegraph operator in Kokand from December 1929 to January 1930. This was followed by a position at a silk factory in Margilan, where she eventually became a Komsomol secretary. Her journey continued as she underwent training to become a surveyor in Tashkent in 1931, after which she joined the civil air fleet’s Central Asia division. Syrtlanova excelled in her field and was eventually promoted to become a senior surveyor in the Central Asia regional Aeroflot directorate. However, her heart was set on aviation, and she took the bold step of enrolling in the Bashalov Flight School in January 1933. Unfortunately, she was expelled in October of the same year without explanation. Undeterred, Syrtlanova worked as an aircraft mechanic in Tbilisi, where she finally began to pursue her dream of learning to fly. After graduating from the Tbilisi aeroclub in 1935, she went on to work as a flight instructor at the school and trained 156 pilots before July 1941.
World War II:
With the Axis invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941, Maguba Syrtlanova decided to serve her country in the military. Initially, she continued to teach in Tbilisi as the aeroclub was transformed into the 26th Military Aviation School of Pilots. However, as Axis forces gained significant territorial gains and threatened the Caucasus region, the school had to close. Syrtlanova then joined a medical squadron in the Transcaucasian Front as a flight commander but soon found herself in a new role in November 1942 when she joined the 588th Night Bomber Aviation Regiment.
Syrtlanova quickly established herself as a skilled and confident pilot, despite her limited combat experience due to her late arrival at the front. Her determination and proficiency led to her promotion from pilot to flight commander. She played a crucial role in the night bombing operations, earning the nickname night witch, which the 46th Taman Guards Night Bomber Aviation Regiment became known for. Syrtlanova completed a remarkable 780 sorties during the war, a testament to her exceptional skills and bravery.
Recognition and Legacy:
Maguba Syrtlanova’s remarkable contributions to the war effort did not go unnoticed. On 15 May 1946, she was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, the highest distinction in the country, for her exceptional service to the nation. Syrtlanova’s achievements symbolize the strength and determination of women during a time of great adversity.
Maguba Guseynovna Syrtlanova’s legacy extends far beyond her military service. As a female pilot during World War II, she defied societal norms and shattered gender stereotypes, inspiring countless women to follow their dreams and pursue careers in male-dominated fields. Her courage and resilience continue to inspire women around the world, making her an icon of women’s history.
Awards:
– Hero of the Soviet Union (15 May 1946)