Maria Dolina (1922–2010) was a Soviet pilot and acting squadron commander of the 125th “Marina M. Raskova” Borisov Guards dive bomber Regiment. She was active primarily on the 1st Baltic Front during World War II. Performed 72 sorties by plane Pe-2, dropping 45,000 kg bombs. In six aerial combats the crew of Maria shot down 3 enemy fighters (in the group). On August 18, 1945 Dolina was awarded the title of the Hero of the Soviet Union.
Explore the NYPL’s collection of aeroplane-themed cigarette cards.
Amelia Earhart begins her journey.
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Rosemary Horne, Jet Flying Wife, photographed by Joe Scherschel for Life magazine, 1956
WWII —- Indian pilots who flew Birmingham built Spitfires during The Battle of Britain
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American actor Ruth Chatterton was an early female aviator who befriended Amelia Earhart, sponsored air derbies, and flew cross-country solo (Wiki).
1928 Breguet 280T
Portrait of Jean Batten (by National Library of Australia Commons)
Jean Batten (1909–1982) “became the best-known New Zealander of the 1930s, internationally, by taking a number of record-breaking solo flights across the world. It was she who in 1936 made the first-ever solo flight from England to New Zealand” (Wiki).
