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*Click on any picture to see full size. |
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A 1943 Air Force Field Gymnastroika to a Female Sergeant combat pilot of the Soviet Army Air Force (VVS) |
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| The Soviet Union was the only Air Force to officially use women pilots in a combat role. These woment became famous throughout the Soviet and German armed forces, earning such titles as "Night Witches" for the PO-2 Night Bomber regiment. The uniform pictured here is typical for a fighter pilot, and the Yak 1 pictured behind belonged to the most famous of these women, Lilya Litvyak (white 44) |
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The Soviet Union did not discriminate the flying role by rank. Enlisted pilots were common. The pilot here is ranked as a Sergeant (blue shoulder boards with three gold bands). She wears the M43 field gymnastiorka. As there were no female uniforms, these were ill fitting and women did what they could to make them fit. |
The view from behind shows the seat parachute, early WWI style. Fighter pilots typcially wore seat parachutes as that was the only place to put them in a cramped cockpit. Note: We do not know whe these items were actually issued to. |
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This close-up shows the later war style buttons which have been painted (subdued) versus their previously unfinished or black metal predecessors. |
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This is an early pattern Soviet flight helmet that is constructed of British and American lend-lease materials. It is based on a pre-war British pattern but is lined with Russian felt wool for warmth. There are no receivers as Soviet aircraft were slow in receiving radio equipment. |
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The ever present Soviet map case. This style allowed pilots quick reference to the sector they would fly for the day. |
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To learn more about the famous women pilots of the Soviet Union during WWII, visit this site |
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| Pictured here is an IL-2 Female Gunner in her flying suit and chute. As was common, the women had to wear clothes cut for men and make the best of it. |
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A close view of the seat pack parachute shows quartermaster and inspection marks. The elastic blue cords that pull open the chute are present but the elastic is gone. Interestingly, the cords are the same Air Force blue as the shoulder boards. This is an early style chute as the harness and catch are a simple clip and eye. |
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All images © Tod Rathbone |
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