The Russian female ‘battalion of death’, and what historical impact did it have?
World War I and the ever-sinking morale of the male Russian soldier saw a new incentive, raising the morale of the sunken heart, and even “shaming” many “potential” male soldiers into joining the fight.
A battalion of female soldiers came together to create a new inspiration for the ‘Motherland’. This group of women would be known as – ‘The Battalion of Death’. Although many women were already trying to sign up and fight in an official capacity, until now most of the time they refused / ignored. The government of this time clung to this notion and reasoned: this would be perfect for arousing enthusiasm in the low morale of the Russian (male) soldier. Great potential new twist for the propaganda factory on many levels and there is not much shortage of women willing to fill these shoes.
5,000 Russian women by estimate, served in these newly formed units across the country. A considerable chosen number of these women made it to the front lines no less.
Maria bochkareva
Maria Bochkareva, originally a peasant woman from Siberia, who had already been actively serving (with military honors) since 1914, was commissioned to establish this: Battalion of Death. Initially attracting 2000 female volunteers. (This number sank dramatically, as many of these volunteers could not bear the harshness of Maria Bochkareva’s cruel and intolerant leadership.)
The uncompromising strength and courage of these women was clearly illustrated in the trenches against the Germans, a case in which the (male) Russian soldiers hesitated coming out of the trench and the (female) soldiers, however, did not. Later, these women were highly praised for their initiative and unwavering courage. Unfortunately, many of these displays of indomitable mettle eventually worked against these women, as the attitudes of their male counterparts were negatively darkened against such unfair and competitive use of misplaced women. In many cases, the unfounded and unshakable courage of these women resulted in the unnecessary and untimely loss of many male soldiers who stirred to demonstrate their virility.
Although the discontent that had arisen from such a niche was forged, many of these heroines of the Battalion of Death continued and fought the Russian Civil War with that same fearless mettle.
Aviation Group 122
1930s: Marina Raskova, Soviet aviator woman.
Many parallels of the time aligned her with another Amelia Earhart. A Russian pilot and aviator, a true pioneer in many fields. Once World War II broke out, Marina Raskova used her ties and connections with Joseph Stalin to organize combat regiments for female pilots to fight in the skies for their country. Approximately a hundred of these women of the air soar through the skies and reach approximately 30,000 combat missions.
(The Soviet Union was in fact the world’s First Nation that allowed female aviators to bravely fight in the skies for their country.)
Along with the land, sea and air military services, there were also ‘Women Snipers’ from WWII. Nearly 2,500 female Soviet snipers and their entire service combined claimed an estimated 11,000 kills for their beloved nation.
Meet Lyudmila Pavlichenko
Lyudmila Pavlichenko (pictured) single-handedly shot down 36 German snipers with her 303 rifle during WWII. (309 deaths in total). Until becoming one of Hitler’s greatest threats, he was a history student in Kiev. In his first 75 days of war he managed to shoot and kill 187 Germans. Lyudmila was one of 2,000 female snipers who fought for the Red Army, and one of 500 who survived.
Lyudmila Pavlichenko at the White House with Mrs. Roosevelt and Judge Robert Jackson after the war.
The philosophy of Stoicism in an atmosphere of the highest stake.
Whether man-soldier or woman-soldier in past war years or current war years, endurance of pain or hardship without showing feelings and without complaint = stoicism Soldiers on either side of the battlefield stick to this and they always will. to persist.
This stoicism, however useful or appropriate it may be for the individual soldier, definitely has its blessings and surely its lasting curses. Stoicism for the soldier can easily be confused with “invincibility.” It all comes down to: ‘the only thing that matters is the safe things that I can control, under my control in a very out of control exterior’. One of these safe elements under my control is ‘Virtue’ in environments that are a constant threat to me and those around me.
With this Armor of Stoicism and Virtue comes a new ability to turn emotions on and off at will, or when needed. Emotions need protection to survive, emotions can slow us down and grieve us. Things that we become extremely good at ‘not losing’, such as a hot shower, a hot meal, a very loyal friend who has had their heads blown off, a loving family, a general understanding of compassion.
These ‘not missing’ abilities are spreading everywhere and inadvertently leaving many soldiers ‘dead to the world’ in a world they set out to conquer or save.
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