Night Witches Chapter Notes | Gul Mohar Class 7: Book Solutions, Summaries & Worksheets PDF Download

About the Author

The lesson “Night Witches” is adapted from a journalist’s account of the women pilots of the Soviet Union during World War II. It highlights their bravery, struggles, and achievements. The piece combines history and storytelling to inspire readers with true examples of courage.

Detailed Summary

The story “Night Witches” is about the brave women pilots of the Soviet Union during World War II. In the spring of 1943, two Soviet pilots were on a patrol in their small Polikarpov Po-2 planes, made of plywood and canvas. Suddenly, they faced forty-two German bombers. Despite being outnumbered, the women dived and fought back, shooting down two German planes before one of their own was hit. When the pilot landed safely, people were shocked to learn it was a woman—Tamara Pamyatnykh.

Tamara belonged to the 588th Night Bomber Regiment, an all-women unit of the Soviet Air Force. The women, aged 17–26, flew 30,000 missions and dropped 23,000 tons of bombs on the German army. They often flew silently at night, turning off their engines and gliding to the target. The soft “whooshing” noise reminded the Germans of broomsticks, so they mockingly called the women Nachthexen or Night Witches. But soon the name became a badge of honour, as the witches were feared and respected.

Conditions were extremely tough. The women had no parachutes, no radar, and only maps and compasses to guide them. Their planes carried just two bombs at a time, so they flew many sorties every night, sometimes up to eighteen. The open cockpits exposed them to freezing winds, frostbite, and even bullet holes in their clothes and maps. They wore oversized uniforms handed down from male soldiers.

One of the most famous Night Witches was Nadezhda Popova, a commander who flew 852 missions. Their regiment was founded by Marina Raskova, known as the “Soviet Amelia Earhart.” Though doubted at first, the women pilots soon earned respect for their courage, skill, and sacrifice. They proved that women were just as capable as men in battle, leaving behind a powerful legacy of bravery and equality.

Moral / Message

Night Witches teaches us that courage, determination, and skill are not limited by gender. The women pilots showed that strength comes from dedication and bravery, even under the harshest conditions. Their story inspires us to believe in equality, challenge stereotypes, and honour the sacrifices of those who fight for their country.

Character Sketches

Tamara Pamyatnykh
A brave young pilot of the 588th Night Bomber Regiment. Her fearless actions in dangerous missions showed that women could fight as strongly as men. She symbolised determination and courage during World War II.

Nadezhda Popova
A famous commander of the regiment who flew 852 missions. Despite harsh conditions, she showed leadership, endurance, and commitment. She lived to 91, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration for generations.

Marina Raskova
Known as the “Soviet Amelia Earhart,” she founded and trained the female regiments. A visionary leader, she guided women not just as pilots but also as mechanics, navigators, and ground crew, ensuring their success in combat.

Vocabulary Table