Women in World War Two

Women had a significant part to play during World War II. World War Two or the Second World War was the time when women also made their own contributions during this very difficult period. Some of their notable efforts have been recorded in history but the efforts of many women and their contributions have often gone unnoticed in World War 2. Their struggles and the kind of sacrifices that were seen in World War II were really commendable, with women taking over many things during this period. World War 2 was the time when women left their kitchen work and moved on to shipyards and defense places to secure a place for themselves. Women came to the front during World War 2 and there were a number of women who made a distinctive mark and embedded their names in history. The lives of the women thus changed drastically, from a homemaker, women had new responsibilities and various roles to play during World War 2. Women took over places initially meant for men and excelled in the same as well. This was possibly because of the absence of men at work due to a marked shortage of people. Here’s a look at some of the strong figures of women in World War Two.

Women in World War Two:

Tatiana Nikolaevna Baramzina:
Born on December 12 in the year 1919, Tatiana Nikolaevna Baramzina was born in Glazov and was also the recipient of the Gold Star Award. In the year 1943, Tatiana Nikolaevna Baramzina was sent to the Central Women’s Sniper Training School and upon her graduation in April, she was further sent to the 3rd Belorussian Front. She managed to kill around 16 enemies out here in the first three months itself!

Unfortunately, she was captured by the enemies and tortured before she was shot point blank. Tatiana Nikolaevna Baramzina passed away on July 5, 1944. Today, the street where she grew up has been re-named in her memory.

Katya Budanova:
This dynamic lady served as a female fighter pilot during World War 2. She was born on 7th December, 1916. She had 11 victories to her credit and she was also known as the one of the world’s two female fighter aces. Her interest in aviation increased when she worked with an aircraft factory in her early years of life. She was assigned to a unit that consisted only of female pilots - the 586th Fighter Regiment. Katya Budanova was well known for her aggressive behavior and there were many incidents where she bombed down enemy aircrafts. During World War II, she also had a solo combat where she shot down one aircraft but was herself killed in the same combat on July 19, 1943.

Anne Frank:
Anne Frank was a German born Jewish girl who was known all over with the publication of her diary that recounted all her experiences when the Germans occupied the Netherlands in World War II. Anne was born on June 12, 1929 and she, along with her family, went into hiding in July 1942. Two years later, her family was captured and seven months from her arrest, Anne Frank died due to typhus in early March 1945.

Margaret Ringenberg:
Margaret Ringenberg was born on 17th June, 1921.She began her career during World War Two when she turned a ferry pilot for the Women Airforce Service Pilots. From thereon she turned flight instructor in 1945. She even wrote her own book named ‘Girls Can’t Be Pilots’. She has many trophies to her credit.

Hannah Szenes:
Hannah Szenes was born on 17th July, 1921 and was trained to parachute by the British army into Yugoslavia during World War II. This task was given in order to save the Jews of Hungary. Her secret mission was not revealed even when she was tortured following her arrest at the Hungarian border. Hannah Szenes had to brave immense tortures, yet she did not lose heart. She bravely battled it out and tried to sing to keep her spirits high! She also kept a record of events in her diary till 7th November, 1944, when she was finally executed by a firing squad.

These names are just a few of the women who played a significant part in World War 2. Their stories go a long way in showing the kind of lifestyles they led and their struggles and sacrifices.