Orna Merchant is to present a new documentary to mark the work of the Night Witches of World War II.
Produced by Made in Manchester, it tells the story of how in 1941, Stalin reluctantly allowed aviator Marina Raskova to train 3 all female aerial combat units. But she was only given 1920s style bi-planes with no radios, parachutes or defence.
They glided silently over their targets at night carrying out precision bombing on German targets. That gave them the name ‘Nachthexen’ or ‘Night Witches’.
“This is a rarely told story of sacrifice and bravery,” said Merchant, who’s probably best known as a travel presenter on BBC Radio 5 Live and Radio 2.
“Some of these women became among the most decorated pilots in the Soviet Union. They were vital in winning the war.”
MIM Creative Director Ashley Byrne added:
“It’s another example of how the female story in so much of world history has been virtually airbrushed and I’m proud we’ve been able to revisit this tale of valour 80 years on for the BBC World Service.”
The programme airs on the BBC World Service at 9.30am and 8.05pm January 31st.
