The 588th Night Bomber Regiment, often called the Night Witches, included the only Kazakh woman to serve as a navigator in the unit. Khiuaz Dospanova, born in 1922 in Kurmangazy, overcame significant wartime injuries to complete approximately 300 combat sorties, marking her as a distinct figure in aviation history and the first ethnically Kazakh woman to serve as a Soviet Air Force officer.
Early Ambitions and Wartime Recruitment
Before the onset of the Second World War, Dospanova completed secondary school and obtained certification as a reserve pilot. Despite her initial interest in formal aviation training, she briefly attended a medical institute in 1941. Her trajectory shifted when she joined the female aviation regiments organized by Marina Raskova. In 1942, she entered the 588th Night Bomber Regiment, commanded by Yevdokia Bershanskaya, which later received the Guards designation and became the 46th Guards Night Bomber Aviation Regiment.
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On 1 April 1943, Dospanova was involved in a severe ground collision at the conclusion of a mission. While flying a Polikarpov Po-2 alongside pilot Yuliya Pashkova, their aircraft was struck by another plane. The incident resulted in the death of the other crew members and Pashkova. Dospanova suffered multiple fractures and developed gangrene in her legs. Despite medical advice to amputate, she retained her limbs and underwent multiple surgeries. After a period of recovery using a cane, she returned to the regiment six months later to serve as head of communications, eventually resuming duties as a navigator.
Postwar Government Service
After the conclusion of the war, during which she participated in campaigns across the Caucasus, Kuban, Taman, Crimea, Poland, and Germany, Dospanova entered a career in public administration. Following a meeting with Minaidar Salin, she began working for the Communist Party. Her government tenure included serving as secretary of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Kazakh SSR. Due to declining health, she retired early and settled in Almaty, where she resided until her death in 2008.
Awards and Legacy
Dospanova received extensive recognition for her military service and public life. Her honors include the title Hero of Kazakhstan, the Order of the Patriotic War (1st and 2nd class), the Order of the Red Star, and the Order of the Red Banner of Labour. She was also decorated with the Medal for the Victory over Germany and the Veteran of Labour medal. Today, her legacy is commemorated through the naming of Atyrau International Airport, an ice rink, and an Embraer 190 aircraft in her honor.
Fast facts
- Born: 1922, Kurmangazy
- Died: 2008, Almaty
- Military Rank: Senior lieutenant
- Units: 588th Night Bomber Regiment, 46th Guards Night Bomber Aviation Regiment
- Key Decoration: Hero of Kazakhstan (2004)
- Burial Site: Kensai Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What specific role did Dospanova play in the Night Witches?
She served as a navigator and later as the regiment's head of communications.
Why was she awarded the title Hero of Kazakhstan?
She received the title in 2004 for her perseverance during and after the Second World War.
Achievements
- Medal "For the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945"
- Order of the Red Star
- Order of the Patriotic War, 1st class
- Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd class
- Recorded as aircraft pilot and military personnel
