Irina Sebrova

Who is Irina Sebrova?

Irina Feodorovna Sebrova was a lieutenant and pilot for the Soviet Air Forces who served in the all-female Night Witches during the Second World War. Sebrova was awarded the title Hero of Soviet Union.

Born in December 25, 1914 in Tetyakovka, Novomoskovsk to a working-class family, Sebrova moved to Moscow and graduated with a degree in milling from Moscow University, after which she worked in a factory. At the age of 23, already an experienced flight instructor at the Frunze flight club in Moscow, in 1938 she graduated from the Moscow Aeroclub and in 1940 she began training in military aviation.

Joining the Red Army in October 1941, in 1942 she completed her military aviation studies and took command of the 46th Guards Night Bomber Aviation Regiment, also known as the Night Witches. Sebrova took part in 1008 bombing sorties against enemy troops. Sebrova joined the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in 1943.

On February 23, 1945, by decree of the Presidium Sebrova was awarded Hero of Soviet Union with the Gold Star and the Order of Lenin.

Sebrova retired from the Air Force in 1948, joining the Moscow Aviation Institute. She died in 2000 and is buried in Rakitin Cemetery.