Soviet Female Pilot Yevdokiya Mamaeva-Bezmenova Putting on Parachute, August 1943

October 5, 2025 - Reading time: 4 minutes

Soviet female bomber pilot Yevdokiya Mamaeva-Bezmenova prepares her parachute before a combat mission in an American A-20 Boston, Krasnodar, August 1943.

This World War II photograph shows Soviet female pilot Yevdokiya Dmitrievna Mamaeva-Bezmenova preparing for a combat mission in an American A-20 Boston bomber. She is assisted by aerial gunner Potapenko as she secures her parachute at the central airfield of Krasnodar, USSR, in August 1943. In the background, a Soviet U-2 biplane can be seen, highlighting the mix of domestic and Lend-Lease aircraft in service.

Women in Soviet Aviation
Mamaeva-Bezmenova was part of the 244th Bomber Aviation Regiment, a unit employing both Soviet and Lend-Lease aircraft. Her role exemplifies the significant contribution of Soviet women in combat aviation, particularly in bomber and reconnaissance operations, where bravery and technical skill were essential.

Preparing for Combat Missions
The photograph captures a routine yet crucial pre-flight procedure: securing a parachute before a sortie. Such images not only document wartime operations but also demonstrate the professional discipline of Soviet aviators, including women, who faced the same risks and operational demands as their male counterparts.

Technical photo data:
📍 Location: Krasnodar, USSR
📅 Date: August 1943
📝 Event: Pre-flight preparation of Soviet female pilot in 244th Bomber Aviation Regiment, using A-20 Boston aircraft
📷 Author: Unknown

• Soviet women pilots WWII
• Female bomber crew USSR
• A-20 Boston Lend-Lease aircraft
• Pre-flight procedures Red Army Air Force
• Women in Soviet military aviation 1943