Female Red Army Air Defense Spotter Pvt. A. Gorbunova on Duty in Moscow, 1943

November 16, 2025 - Reading time: 4 minutes

Female Soviet air defense spotter Pvt. A. Gorbunova on rooftop duty in Moscow, 1943.

This striking photograph captures Pvt. A. Gorbunova, a female soldier serving in the Air Defense Forces of the Red Army, on active duty in wartime Moscow in 1943. Standing on the rooftop of a city building, she scans the sky through a field binocular — a critical task during the years when the Soviet capital remained under threat from German air raids.

Women played a crucial role in the Soviet air defense network, serving as spotters, searchlight operators, anti-aircraft gunners, and range finders. Their vigilance often provided the first warning of incoming Luftwaffe aircraft, giving gunners precious seconds to react. Gorbunova’s uniform bears the “Excellent Artilleryman” badge, indicating high proficiency and outstanding service in her specialty.

By 1943, the Luftwaffe’s ability to strike Moscow had been drastically reduced, but the threat never disappeared entirely. Air defense units remained on constant alert, maintaining a protective shield over the Soviet capital. These soldiers worked long shifts in all weather conditions — heat, snow, wind — watching the skies for any sign of danger.

The calm determination on Gorbunova’s face reflects the professionalism shared by thousands of women who stood watch over Soviet cities. Their contribution to the war effort extended far beyond traditional roles and demonstrated the Red Army’s reliance on skilled female personnel throughout the conflict.

Photographed by Naum Granovsky, one of the most important Soviet photojournalists of the era, the image stands as a testament to both individual dedication and the broader mobilization of women in the defense of the USSR.

Technical Photo Data:
📍 Location: Moscow, USSR
📅 Date: 1943
📝 Subject: Female air defense soldier Pvt. A. Gorbunova, “Excellent Artilleryman”
📷 Photographer: Naum Granovsky

• Soviet women in military service
• WWII home front air defense
• Moscow anti-aircraft network
• Female spotter binocular duty
• Red Army artillery proficiency badge