Born: 1912 (Vienna, Austria)
Died: 2001 (Bouloc, France)
Biography:
Marina Știrbei, born on March 19, 1912, in Vienna, Austria, was a remarkable Romanian aviator who made significant contributions during the Second World War. She gained fame as a founding member of the Romanian Air Force’s all-women White Squadron, which played a crucial role in rescuing the wounded from the front lines. Marina Știrbei was also known as the Princess of Romanian aviation due to her extraordinary achievements and courageous spirit.
Marina Știrbei came from a prestigious background. She was the daughter of Prince George Știrbei, who was the brother of Barbu Știrbey, and Elisabeth, the niece of George Valentin Bibescu, a pioneering aviator. Marina’s passion for aviation was nurtured from a young age, partly due to her family’s connection to the aviation world. However, her dream of becoming a pilot faced substantial obstacles.
In 1932, Marina Știrbei applied to the Romanian Pilots School but was repeatedly rejected solely because she was a woman. Undeterred by this discrimination, she persisted in pursuing her dream and was eventually allowed to train at the school under Ioana Cantacuzino. Her perseverance paid off, and in 1935, Marina Știrbei was granted her Grade II pilot’s license. The following year, she won the first pilot’s contest in Romania, showcasing her exceptional flying abilities.
Știrbei’s aviation career took her to new heights and brought her numerous accomplishments. She became the first pilot to fly from Bucharest to Stockholm, facing challenging conditions such as mist over the Baltic Sea. In June 1937, representing the Romanian Aeroclub, she participated in the first technical assistance conference held in Budapest. In 1938, as a member of the Romanian Red Cross, Știrbei joined forces with other female aviators, including Mariana Drăgescu and Nadia Russo, to participate in military exercises in the Galați region.
The Finnish women’s piloting initiative known as Lotta Svärd served as a powerful inspiration for Marina Știrbei. The success of this initiative motivated her to push for the formation of a women’s squadron in Romania, dedicated to helping repatriate the wounded from the front lines. The Romanian aviation ministry, influenced by Știrbei’s passion and determination, established the White Squadron. This all-women unit, based at Baneasa, played a pivotal role in ferrying doctors, medicines, and wounded soldiers. By 1940, the squadron grew to ten planes, providing vital support and assistance.
The White Squadron, aptly named by the Italian journalist Curzio Malaparte, had an iconic appearance with their planes marked only by the sign of the Red Cross. Marina Știrbei’s unwavering dedication to helping others, her exceptional flying skills, and her leadership in the White Squadron left an indelible mark on Romanian aviation history.
Despite her professional accomplishments, Marina Știrbei faced personal challenges. In 1942, she married Prince Constantin Basarab Brâncoveanu in an extravagant aristocratic wedding reception. Unfortunately, their happiness was short-lived, as the Communists took control of Romania. The prince was arrested, and his property confiscated, leaving Știrbei to raise their two children on her own.
In 1964, Marina Știrbei managed to leave Romania, finding refuge in England before ultimately settling in France. Her remarkable life came to an end on July 15, 2001, in Bouloc, France. Marina Știrbei’s legacy lives on as a pioneering aviator, a symbol of female empowerment, and a testament to the resilience and determination of women throughout history.