The Flying Angels of Stalingrad

A unique squadron operated during the Battle of Stalingrad composed entirely of women pilots. Find out their extraordinary story.
Dr. Mark Felton is a well-known British historian, the author of 22 non-fiction books, including bestsellers 'Zero Night' and 'Castle of the Eagles', both currently being developed into movies in Hollywood. In addition to writing, Mark also appears regularly in television documentaries around the world, including on The History Channel, Netflix, National Geographic, Quest, American Heroes Channel and RMC Decouverte. His books have formed the background to several TV and radio documentaries. More information about Mark can be found at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Fe...
Visit my audio book channel 'War Stories with Mark Felton': • One Thousand Miles to ...
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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Credits: Alan Wilson; Robert Prummel.

[@rauliorga3823]

As a romanian i cannot thank you enough for making this documentary Mark. They truely deserve to be remembered.

[@BrassLock]

@Raul Iorga : Are you aware of any significant Romanian memorial or museum displays of these remarkable women?

[@rauliorga3823]

@@BrassLock sadly i don't know of the existance of a simple memorial, let alone any significant displays related to them. www.muzeu-neamt.ro/component/content/article/50-evenimente/848-escadrila-alba-drama-eroinelor-aviatiei-romanesti.html

[@bolbarazvan]

@@BrassLock There are several books published on this subject, and they are also included in the exhibition at the National Military Museum.

[@danielandries3240]

@@BrassLock www.ziarpiatraneamt.ro/escadrila-alba-drama-eroinelor-aviatiei-romanesti-nadia-russo-bossie-1901-1988 It appears Nadia Russo was Russian !

[@BrassLock]

@@bolbarazvan Thank you for your detailed reply Razvan. Its gratifying to me whenever I see such endeavours recorded for future generations. Historians are predominantly male, so the world tends to get a "paternalistic history" taught in school, which is really, really bad for women and girls. Thankfully, things are changing, and KZbin seems to be the venue for that change.

[@lancehymers4674]

I’ve said it before, but I have a minor in history, I grew up with a father who fought in WWII and who read constantly about the war and whose books I also read. I’d thought I knew a lot about WWII, but I have never watched one of Mark’s videos without learning something. I just wish my dad could have lived to watch these videos - he would have loved them. Thanks Mark!

[@suzyqualcast6269]

Same. Mine rated Beevors write ups, but......

[@thomasb1889]

My father was in Greenland and yes it was a combat zone because the Germans were constantly trying to set up weather stations there. Of course he only ever talked about the humorous incidents that happened, I know more about what uncle Carl did during prohibition, he used a motorcycle side car combo to haul moonshine for the local moonshiners.

[@Trillock-hy1cf]

A big welcome to the Mark Felton fan club, for true stories and film clips probably not mentioned in history lessons or books.....:)

[@thomasb1889]

@@Trillock-hy1cf Been a fan of him, THG, and for all things naval Drachinifel for some time now. There are others out there but I trust those three to get things right.

[@warren9148]

Exactly, history buffs like us can't thank Mark enough 👍

[@roscoewhite3793]

When I saw the notification, I assumed that it was referring to another account of Russian women pilots. I should have remembered that Dr Felton can dig up stories that I'd never heard of and just about everyone else missed!

[@1942Johnnyred]

I was going to say the same with surname like Thomas it sounds very English or American would love to know more about her.

[@robertandrews6915]

Don't ever underestimate him again!

[@reginabillotti]

@@1942Johnnyred Agreed. I wonder who she was and how she got to Romania.

[@varschnitzschnur8795]

These women were indeed heroines. Thank you, Mark, for your excellent documentaries.

[@tubaraofeio1053]

truly women that aren't taught in history, and should be remembered.

[@johnparrish9215]

Very brave indeed.

[@mrkitty1997]

Do you believe that they are history, that deserves to be remembered?

[@vonkaiser6817]

@Alien Alien Bruh, national socialism was inherently sexist and patriarchal. Communism may not be good, but Nazism is just flat out worse.

[@billbyfield5985]

@Alien Alien that's such a stupid thing to say.

[@Sezwer]

Not that you could expect anything else from a fascist.

[@hanzup4117]

Thank you for sharing the story of these remarkable, but largely forgotten women.

[@MasterMalrubius]

Indeed. Mark brings many unknown or little heard historical stories to his viewers.

[@mike83ny]

Ignored, persecuted and even forgotten. Now they can be honored and forever remembered.

[@williamkeith8944]

The Stalingrad salient was as horrible as war can get. To be near frozen, grievously wounded and then rescued and flown out by a woman of the white squadron must have seemed an absolute miracle from God.

[@paulkirkland3263]

Couldn't have put it any better than that.

[@Cloudman572]

Angels of mercy - they even have the wings. I mean that not as just humour but for real, as you say to be transported out of that hell by these courageous women must have seemed a miracle.

[@2x2is22]

For all those wounded soldiers knew, these women really were angels. If the state of their wounds were enough that their minds weren't right, they may have been lying in those planes absolutely convinced those pilots were angels taking them to heaven

[@marshallemmet1366]

@Penetrator Not every single German soldier was a Nazi.

[@EpitafioMix]

Here in Russia we have a proverb, and every child knows it: "Whoever comes to us with a sword will die by the sword".

[@PennsyPappas]

The Soviets had the Night Witches and The Axis had the White Squadron. Both squadrons being filled primarily by Women and it's sad that none of the documentaries I've ever watched on TV had talked about these. I'm glad there are people like you Dr. mark Felton that have the ability to show us on KZbin, what the TV networks have failed to show. It's helps me appreciate and understand the struggles of WW2 more everyday. Keep doing what you're doing.

[@kittymervine6115]

YES! I had to tell someone, after watching Mark's videos, that their grandfather had been killed by the Night Witches. She said they couldn't understand grandmother saying they couldn't show a light at night and had to be quiet as these "women" were flying above the men. They have the LETTER that talks about it, and later he was "bombed at night", by the Soviets, which was SO CONFUSING to them. Mark cleared up that mystery for them!

[@PennsyPappas]

@@kittymervine6115 Niw fhat pretty darn cool, the stories that have been passed down both big and small are always so fascinating to hear. Actually hearing one of these now makes it that much cooler.

[@shabegsandhu6117]

Only if they were American then they would have been celebrated throughout the world...

[@marcbartuschka6372]

As far as I know there were much more female combat pilotes than the famous "Night witches". There was also a mostly female regiment of medium Pe-2 bombers in the Soviet Forces, and a fighter unit which shot down some German planes (although mainly used in defensive role). And there were a number of female pilots who flew in soviet units which were mostly build of male pilots. A few of them were doubble or tripple aces as far as I know.

[@PennsyPappas]

@@shabegsandhu6117 I believe that History is written by the victors. But they knew what they did and i think thats all that really matters to them.

[@RaduB.]

Thank you from Romania! 🇷🇴

[@prs_81]

At first I suspected they were Russian. Totally didn't expect Romanians!

[@itsacityofapes]

I thought it was going to be about the female Russian squadron that flew biplanes. The night witches.

[@user-jr4vx9qe4j]

Russian womens pilot is not brave !!!

[@darthmongoltheunwise8776]

Doubt many would've called the Russian aviation unit "angels"

[@user-jr4vx9qe4j]

@@darthmongoltheunwise8776 russian,s womens aviation not thru history is it legend !

[@user-jr4vx9qe4j]

@@lustigdrink вы и вам подобные сочуствующие Сталинскому фашизму есть в мире и русский фашизм ! Вы и являетесь проповедниками его ! У любой нац есть свои героини и герои а только у вас свои придуманные !

[@markrowland6835]

My partners grandmother was a flying angel, never honoured for her bravery as they were actually civilians. She is 97 and alive and well living in Cardiff. On the return journeys from collecting the casualties they had their parachutes taken an locked away as it was their duty to stay with the plane in case of a crash to care for any survivors. She was featured on BBC the one show several years ago. what bravery from civilian women in time of horrific conflict. The flying angels were UK based also so when i saw this i thought perhaps it would cover this.

[@travisreed1730]

Wow, that's AWESOME! you should be proud that you are related to such a BRAVE lady.

[@shantyman161]

These women must have seen horrible things while still carrying on. True heroines.

[@Zman888]

And so did the men they were saving.

[@roberttoews2775]

@@Zman888 yes, but uncommon for women (at the time). That's why Joachim's comment is significant. 😉

[@JWang-qi6lz]

If they are heroines, so as those SS soldiers.

[@simonhawker9277]

@@roberttoews2775 not true, women have always been as tough as the men they were not seperated from the experience

[@psychohist]

@@roberttoews2775 Plenty of civilians saw horrible things, including the women.

[@Roller_Ghoster]

The untold stories of Stalingrad. This isnt Charlies Angels its Stalingrad's heroines brought to you by the number 1 historian on KZbin Mark Felton.

[@kansascityshuffle8526]

I’m giving it a two way tie for first place with the history guy.

[@MrOuija-rr8kq]

Lol what

[@TricaGamer]

Military historian, not history in general

[@nematolvajkergetok5104]

It's Carol's Angels.

[@theodorekell]

Nazi angels. Sounds like an oxymoron

[@louithrottler]

Putting yourself in harms way in an unarmed plane to help others. That's about as brave and honorable as it gets. Next time you think you're tough, think of these women.

[@jeroenarends5234]

That's an amazing story. It is a miracle that these women survived that.

[@ColinH1973]

Absolutely fascinating! Virginia Thomas deserves a special investigation all on her own. With a name like that she could be straight out of a Daphne du Maurier novel. More on her please Mark!! Excellent work again.

[@hughmungus1767]

Colin Harrison - Her name doesn't sound Romanian at all. I can't help but wonder if there's an interesting story yet to be uncovered about how a British or American woman came to be serving in the Romanian Air force.

[@ELCADAROSA]

@@hughmungus1767, I had similar thoughts.

[@gengis737]

According to Romanian websites, she was born in then Hungarian Transylvania. So her name could be of German or Jews or even French protestant origin.

[@dmcgee3]

Virginia is Latin name, goes back to the Romans

[@ColinH1973]

Interesting. Thomas is a Welsh name, although it could be a corruption or a married name. The good Doctor Felton needs to investigate, if he hasn't done so already! 😁

[@beanhavok2287]

Mariana Dragescu looks as tough as nails, it's no wonder she lived so long. RIP

[@falatoronto]

Fascinating story. The courage of these female pilots should be celebrated, thank you Dr Felton.

[@andreialbescu1590]

Dear Mark Felton, Romanians warmly thank you for this documentary ! I've seen a lot of your documentaries: they are documented, balanced, objective, with common sense. 07/03/2021

[@TraitorsGambit]

The romanians and particularly the italian Alpini come in for some ignobel treatment in the history books but what they faced and the equipment they had, they did sterling work

[@sisyphusvasilias3943]

Genocidial, child massacring Fascists... but sure.

[@TraitorsGambit]

@@sisyphusvasilias3943 read a book

[@Burnt_Nipple]

@@sisyphusvasilias3943 communism is responsible for exponentially more deaths than fascism.

[@smythharris2635]

@@sisyphusvasilias3943 Ironically they share that dubious distinction with the old Soviet Union.

[@comradekenobi6908]

Couldn't people in this thread just agree that both were bad lol 🤣

[@johnappleby405]

Fascinating material. Rumania played an important and little known part in the war on the Eastern Front. The aviation and army museums in Bucharest are worth visiting for anyone interested in learning more

[@quillmaurer6563]

A tale of heroism on the Axis side. That's what I like about this channel, he tells stories without the allied and postwar biases. A hero is a hero, no matter who's side they were on. Gallantry shall not be erased by whether they were gallant for the "good guy" or "bad guy."

[@JAIMEAYMERICHFANS]

This story is absolutely amazing. You are doing a great service giving a voice to these wonderful women ! Thank you dr. Felton.

[@shounak000]

Just when I thought the Night Witches were the only woman pilots during WW2, this comes along. Thank you Mr Felton for unleashing a flash flood of superb history on us. Edit: Nice to see the discussion that's going on in the reply section of this comment. Just keep things civil ok.

[@grahvis]

There were many women pilots in the Air Transport Auxilary, who delivered aircraft in the UK. Though not under fire as such, a number lost their lives.

[@shounak000]

@@grahvis that I didn't know, thanks mate

[@comradekenobi6908]

Search about the White Rose of Stalingrad

[@grahvis]

@M Bacon . They obviously wouldn't be armed, they weren't fighter pilots though multi engined aircraft did sometimes carry defensive armanent, however they were not expected to meet enemy aircraft. As for the instrument flying, I suspect someone in an office somewhere, assumed all flying would be done in clear daylight conditions. I do remember a story in one of my books where a pilot geting lost in poor weather conditions and growing gloom, found an airfield to land on. It was a very minor airfield and while receiving some refreshment, she tells how the CO, taught her the rudiments of instrument flying.

[@billd.iniowa2263]

@M Bacon I suspect it may have to do with there only being so much room in a class. And all the slots were used to train fighting pilots. On another note, Here in the U.S. they had many women flying instructors. They were good pilots and were used to train the men going to war. Maybe the thinking was something like "If a woman can do this, the men will realize they can too". I dont know if that was the intent, but it sure was the reaction! The men learned how to fly quickly! I wonder how many Combat Aces were trained by women instructors?

[@barryfletcher7136]

One of my professors at the University of New Orleans was Dr. Stephen Ambrose. Unknown to me, my future wife was friends with him and Moira at the time. I got to know him more personally when my wife was a manager at the National WW2 Museum (originally the D-Day Museum), of which Dr. Ambrose was a founder. Something he said was that WW2 had so many nooks & crannies that it would be a source of doctoral dissertations forever. Many of your excellent videos show that remains true.

[@glenmartin2437]

Thank you. My mother's people are from Austria-Hungary that includes Romanian relatives and ancestors. Our greatgranddaughter-in-law is from Moldova. Thank you, again.

[@danielhammersley2869]

Absolutely gobsmacked again Dr Felton! Thank you sir for this piece of lost history restored!

[@bolbarazvan]

I`ve been following your channel from its early days. Nice to see you approaching Romanian subjects as well. Cheers from the Romanian Military Archeology team!

[@rhyswong8976]

Wow I never knew this! Commendable angels! These women are the most daring in the war. Flying in and out multiple times with a white plane that is easily spotted and dodging fire while making sure patients don't lose their own stomach blood guts and lives. I think this story can very well be a movie...!!! Thank you for uploading.

[@kennethmoles4643]

I now see why Romania suffered so badly after WW2. Thank you for sharing this history.

[@M3chUpN8y]

I never heard of this all-female Romanian medevac squadron before! I thank Dr Felton for doing a video about them and their exploits!

[@gs637]

Thanks for posting this brilliant piece of forgotten history. Deep Respect to the brave Romanian Ladies pilots for what they have done in WW2!

[@srj607able]

Even the coronavirus can't make the Felton s commandos into a lockdown. His knowledge will always be victorious. Honni soi qy mal y pense!!

[@freddymarcel-marcum6831]

Mark knows it's all a hoax.

[@gonufc]

@@freddymarcel-marcum6831 Tell me, how do you fake an RNA profile? Are the doctors secretly sliding a knife through the ribs of all these people at night?

[@freddymarcel-marcum6831]

@@gonufc the ones who get hit by a bus or the ones who weigh 550 pounds?

[@gonufc]

@@freddymarcel-marcum6831 You must see an awful lot of bus accidents.

[@freddymarcel-marcum6831]

@@gonufc so do the hospitals😆

[@andreicadari700]

It's always forgotten that Romania played a huge role in the eastern front.

[@comradekenobi6908]

They also fought first in the Axis against USSR then alongside the Soviets against Germany, and still survived, a remarkable combat record I might say

[@eedragonr6293]

@GazB just let us know when you have at least 22 division in Russia

[@eedragonr6293]

I suppose they never conquered your country too

[@eedragonr6293]

@GazB it could change your mind

[@eedragonr6293]

@GazB it could change your mind

[@johnyves1246]

Another amazingly well documented - never heard of - Mark Felton story . Being on the wrong side of the war does not diminish the incredible achievement of those female pilots who saved so many lives and never lost any aircraft.

[@Diego20253]

Hollywood Blockbuster would come out of this story if they were American!

[@frutt5k]

Impossible, the actors would need to keep 6 feet distanced to fight a terrible virus. Whimps.

[@sorryi6685]

Big budget female centric movies are very very rare. Even superhero movies only started getting made recently

[@logandeathrage6945]

The biggest problem would be that Hollyweird would add modern day politics and diversity into anything made now a days.

[@paulstevenson9093]

WOW, What an incredible story of very brave ladies.

[@biffphuddle6581]

May God bless you ladies. True humanitarians, true angels. Very Brave with big hearts.

[@daveanderson3805]

I have read a number of books on the Stalingrad campaign Not one author has ever mentioned these women and their efforts, which is a shame They deserved recognition for their deeds a long time ago Thanks for digging up this story and bringing it to our attention

[@danepatterson8107]

One of the most interesting stories you've told yet!

[@travisreed1730]

The guy could read the phone book and make it interesting.

[@doberski6855]

Another unique piece of the history of the Second World War. The Flying Angels, Queen Elizabeth the second, and Marion Orr (Canadian ferry pilot during the WW2) and all the rest of the woman and men who served in that conflict. Thank you for your service. Thank you to you as well Dr. Felton for continuing to bring us this information.

[@comradekenobi6908]

@GazB calm down, these women were just medics comrade

[@comradekenobi6908]

@GazB hmm

[@doberski6855]

@GazB The Flying Angels were non combatants. As for sides, you seem to have forgotten that Russia started the war as a member of the Axis. There are plenty of men and women who took up service to defend their countries, who didn't have a say who they were allied with or against, they were just serving their countries and who didn't take part in any of the atrocities of that war. I do not see anything wrong in thanking them for their service. My mistake in assuming a certain level of intelligence among Dr. Felton's audience, I should have clarified my comments.

[@eedragonr6293]

@GazB did they ever fight directly against the Americans and British?

[@doberski6855]

​@GazB Suggest you follow your own advice and do research. Atrocities were not just the domain of the SS or the Wehrmacht. Name a country that was involved in WW2 and you will find atrocities, sadly. There were soldiers who served bravely and with honor and who fought for their countries. I think they should be respected for their service, not denied it because they were on the losing side. Then there are thugs, who dishonor the uniforms they wear, and commit crimes for which they and the governments that sanctioned them should be held accountable and usually are not if they are on the winning side, they are not soldiers, even if they wear the same uniform as those I choose to believe deserve respect. What I like about Dr. Felton is he shines a light on all the history of the WW2 equally.

[@billbyfield5985]

3.3k views after 23 minutes of the video being uploaded. You're going to be KZbins biggest history channel in no time, Dr Felton!

[@mb8804]

The quality output of this channel is just superb, it's part of the reason why I no longer have a tv in my house. The mainstream channels just cant compete with Mr Felton.

[@KPearce57]

Brave woman with BIG HEARTS for human kind .

[@costintvm]

Congratulations for this movie from a romanian!!! Now The History of Romanian Aviation honors these brave women even if during the communist period in Romania they have been forgotten and ignored, because they acted on the East Front in the ex urss.

[@scottabc72]

Thank you for another remarkable story that would otherwise be almost unknown

[@minhtruong8565]

My admiration and respect for these pilots. And my appreciation as always for your high quality documentaries.

[@highdesertutah]

The fact that all these women survived the war is like powerball odds. When the video started I was thinking maybe two or three would live.

[@sarjim4381]

Another amazing bit of history dug up by Dr. Felton. I don't know how he does it, but each one just goes to show me I don't know as much about the war, especially the Eastern Front, as I thought I did.

[@vonkaiser6817]

That's the thing, the person who knows nothing about history is indifferent, the person who knows a lot about it acts as an expert's and had formulated opinions and the person who knows everything is a damn liar.

[@mike-bk2bl]

Thank you so much for bringing so much history to me and others with interest in the war years ,your vids are so interesting and some of ,sorry a lot of your content I have not heard or seen before ,great work , mike

[@Gord488]

Respect to the brave ladies of the squadron, as a Romanian-Canadian I salute them and thank Dr Felton for posting this amazing story

[@mikewest5529]

Wow that’s more courage than 1/2 the men in the army! Wow! I tip my hat to all those lady’s making those heroic flights!! Balls to big to carry!!

[@vonkaiser6817]

Boys,I think we've come to the conclusion that sleep is overrated.

[@demonprinces17]

Be an insomniac

[@cristianmicu]

3 to 4 missions a day over and around stalingrad. they deserve much much more than the military and medical crosses and our gratitude for their bravery and sacrifice,also as a romanian, thank you for remembering romanian army during this documentary,dr. Felton

[@Moskau43]

Just about to head to bed and a bedtime story pops up. Love your work, mate.

[@revs81]

Love these unknown stories, told so eloquently, especially about such a pivotal battle like Stalingrad. Just another loyal consumer of your wonderful content.

[@kickingmustang]

What a way to spend lunchtime; sardines on toast, cup of tea & Mark Felton sharing tales of daring woman dodging the Ruskies 💪

[@BrassLock]

@kickingmustang : Do you prefer your sardines in Olive Oil or the ever present Tomato Sauce?

[@kickingmustang]

@@BrassLock Olive oil, always.

[@Altruist-ambitions]

Соооооооооооочно

[@BrassLock]

@@kickingmustang Lucky you, to have such a regular supply. Here in Chiang Mai, the food gods proclaim that _a zone of tomato sauce_ must prevail no matter what. Every supermarket shelf is groaning under the weight of such despicable culinary mistakes. For your interest, when in Australia during the 1970's, I used to drive a Holden Kingswood which had a wonderful heater hose located just above the exhaust manifold, with sufficient room for my can of sardines (in Olive Oil) to remain secured whilst I completed my journey just in time for lunch. Rarely did the can burst with enthusiasm, and the sardines on a white bread roll were hot and delicious. Great memories!

[@kickingmustang]

@@BrassLock That's not good.

[@Biker_Gremling]

What a badass story and women. Thank you Mr Felton!

[@SergioUribe]

always extraordinary stories, bravo Dr Felton!

[@clydeblair9622]

Michigan is well represented by Romanians. It"s unfortunate how they"ve suffered and been exploited under numerous tyrants. I grew up with that wonderful food.

[@TarkovEscp]

Sarmale!!!

[@mannotfromeurope3100]

Why did the history channel become a fantasy channel, when I was a kid I was expecting it to be like this when I grow up.

[@Otokichi786]

As I recall, back in the analog days (before the "turn of the century";) The History Channel was a Premium cable channel, and could count on subscriber money to operate. After the channel became available to basic cable TV people like me, they had to compete with "reality TV" shows. To "float the boat," their "relatively educational" content was replaced with "lowest common denominator" material seen today. I have seen pre-Y2K History channel content, and it saddens me that "the history channel" broadcasts "Wile E. Pawnbroker," "The Rusty Gold Express," and "Alien TV Friday," instead. PBS is still standing for the moment, and the "educational TV with commercials" channels "endeavor to persevere." Then, there's this and other "routinely demonetized" History channels on KZbin. Not ideal, but better than the TV world of "Max Headroom," where educational TV is a Premium cable channel.

[@freddymarcel-marcum6831]

@@Otokichi786 same thing with A&E and Discovery, once they lost funding, hello Pawn Stars.

[@MrRjh63]

Many people would rather veg out watching reality garbage than learn and think sadly.

[@idleonlooker1078]

What an incredible story!! A truly magnificent achievement too, flying unarmed a/c dodging flak and fighters - and all without loss!! 👍

[@kiwicory100]

My wife is a nurse and quite liked this unheralded story. Thanks again so much and be safe in the lock down.

[@davidlogansr8007]

Outstanding report in every way! I used to think I knew History, but I now bow before you Sir!

[@smokinhabanas]

WOW an awe inspiring story!! Thank You Sir- I read and studied the Eastern Front War in graduate school and never once seen a reference to these brave and gallant women- true humanitarian pioneers!! Just amazing that so much new material that was either classified or never was published in the West has been coming out. A exciting time for any historian of WW2!! As always lol your stories enlighten all your viewers and bring new information that was previously unknown!!

[@THE-HammerMan]

These women pilots are quite attractive. Their courage, skill and remarkable devotion and duty is an extraordinary story of which I'd not heard of. It's good to hear none were shot down and their story finally was honored, albeit decades later.

[@warren9148]

Everybody let's give it up for this man he does his research and never a clickbait. We stand with you Mark keep up the excellent work 👍👍

[@friedeseimitdiroxmox4669]

I never heard anything from these brave women on german media. Thank You very much for this video.

[@Arthur-jx8bm]

Oh boy, I lov anything to do with Stalingrad! Can't wait to watch this later, thank you Mark!

[@johnwakamatsu3391]

The story of the Flying Angels of Stalingrad is new to me. I knew that German nurses helped during WWII. I knew an US Army Combat medic and he never said anything about women serving as combat medics but, they worked at field hospitals. My father who was wounded a number of times in Italy and in France never said that he was transported to field hospitals by vehicles and then to regular hospitals. He never said anything about being flown to any hospitals. I thank you for sharing this story.

[@johnwakamatsu3391]

I asked my wife if I died in combat would she take my place like some Japanese women who fought in the feudal Japan and she looked at me as if I were crazy. I respect those women pilots who risked their lives to save wounded soldiers.

[@mashbury]

This really does deserve a GOOD movie made about this story .. would love to know the back story to Virginia Thomas as that’s not a Romanian name surely ? Great research as always Mark 👍

[@FamMiron]

Virginia Thomas (Tomy) was born in 1910 in Braşov, Romania. She graduated the "Mircea Cantacuzino" Pilot School from Băneasa in 1936, obtaining pilot licence no. 141/1936, being the eleventh licenced woman aviator. In 1939 she worked as a stewardess at LARES. In 1940, she was assigned as a pilot at the Sanitary Squadron, where she carried 625 injured. After the dissolution of the squadron, in 1943, she carried wounded by car in the Red Cross Hospital no. 3. After 1944 she married an English officer and left for Berlin. Last time she was seen was in the 1980s in the UK by Stela Huţan-Palade.

[@mashbury]

@@FamMiron that’s a interesting life in itself

[@hughmungus1767]

@@FamMiron - Is Thomas an anglicization of Tomy or the family name of the English officer she married?

[@michaelvonbiskhoff7771]

@@KevinSmith-yh6tl there is a film made. A Italian-Romanian coproduction in 1944. As far as I know, it is actually a lost film.

[@eedragonr6293]

@@hughmungus1767 She could have been a German Romanian or coming from a mixed family. Or simply having her family name written German style because living in an important Saxon community.

[@randyballweg6079]

Thank you for even more details of history we wouldn't even know about...

[@HalMahhs]

Age 100 that's pretty amazing. The whole story was amazing of course. I don't have anything brilliant to write and usually don't write in at all but always watch and listen. I would like to take this opportunity to join in saying that I would never hear about this on the History channel because there are no aliens in this story.

[@lokisingularity3394]

Bless you Mark. If only the young ladies knew what kind of real women role models should look like. History is the best teacher and you sir are one of the best history teachers if all. I can't thank you enough. My grampa served and took part of the invasion of Iwo and Okinawa and is the greatest man I have ever known. WWII history has a special place in my soul and should never be forgotten.

[@pierremainstone-mitchell8290]

Yet again another fascinating video Mark! I had never heard of these women until now and although they were 'fighting' on the wrong side from our perspective I have to admire their courage!

[@dersuperrenz750]

Great story. There were also German female pilots in the ranks of the Luftwaffe. They ferried planes from the rear to frontline units...including fighters and bombers.

[@jorgeckhardt2376]

Beate Uhse. after WWII she started the first Sex shop in the world.

[@dersuperrenz750]

@@jorgeckhardt2376 U got it. Had the luck to interview her on her wartime memories back in the late 90s. Very impressive woman. But she wasn’t alone...there were a bunch of other women flying in the ranks of the Luftwaffe.

[@vonkaiser6817]

We can do it boys, 1 mil subs.

[@grym9350]

As a romanian i didn t know about this story and i want to mention i love history and thanks so much you meked this video Mark.

[@tilmanaboeck6706]

Just this single documentary would justify a subscription to your outstanding channel.

[@sammni]

I've had a huge interest for history from childhood to the point I "bore" my mates in the hospital where I work with it at 37 years old. And honestly 90% of the stuff you do I've never come across it. So interesting!

[@brokenbridge6316]

Such a unique group of women. Shame more people don't know there story.

[@teamrecon2685]

Thank you Mark Felton, for being who you are.

[@HTN3]

History is never boring, thanks to productions like these.

[@skittyrocks]

Wow, an amazing piece of history I'd never heard of before. I've heard a lot about the Russian female pilots but never heard of the White Squadron!

[@sannidhyabalkote9536]

I thought it was about Soviet women But I am still impressed

[@derekbaker3279]

Amazing story! 👏 They were ahead of the curve & pre-dated the U.S./U.N. "MASH" units! 👍👍 There should be a movie, TV mini-series, or documentary made about these brave & compassionate women! 👍👍☺

[@ChiefMiddleFinger]

Much respect to these lady pilots. Excellent video too !

[@misiekvuychik3768]

RWD aircraft. From the names of polish constructors, Rogalski, Wigura, Drzewiecki.

[@walboyfredo6025]

4:54 That is Technically a war crime shorting down a Red Cross plane!

[@PLuMUK54]

Neither Communists nor Nazis had much respect for the Red Cross, unless it suited their purposes.

[@gerdlunau8411]

In the East it was a war about destruction of people, ignited by the Nazis. The German Nazis did not respect Red Crosses in the first place as they did not respect anything towards "sub-humans". What do you expect then when the opposite side is fighting back? Peace! from Dresden / Germany

[@Uranus1968]

Incredibles . Thanks for sharing. They truly deserve to be remembered. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@geronimo957]

Thank`s Mark!To remember all the fallen is impossible,to remember righteous is a destiny. Keep doing what You do!

[@johnryder1713]

A sorta anti-Night Witches! Mark you really dig up some gems!

[@QUADFLY]

Just in time for my weekend Happiness!

[@leblancguillermo]

What a GREAT story to told and not to forget... thanks Mark!!

[@MrRexdale71]

Dr Felton continues to amaze and inform us with his talent for research.

[@vtbmwbiker]

Wow-- that's incredible! It's too late now, but it would've been incredible if all of the women pilots from WWII got together before it was too late. I remember watching a British woman pilot get into the back of a dual control Spitfire. The years seem to fall away from her and the the pilot let her take the controls. I could see her thinking "I'll bet I can still loop this kite...."

[@hughmungus1767]

Paul Parsons - Twenty or thirty years back, I saw a fascinating documentary called Chabot Solo which was about an Englishman (of French Hugenot descent) named Chabot who was one of the first Brits to learn to fly and get his pilot's license. He served in both WWI and WWII and, as an old man, he was invited onto the flight deck of the Concorde and allowed to fly it (very briefly) as a tribute to his longevity. I'd love to see it again if I could find a copy.

[@waltergartner4538]

Mark, my wife's grandfather joined the Royal Air Force to train British pilots in Florida before the U.S. entered WWII. Would you consider doing a video on British pilots training in the U.S.?

[@andrewsema359]

Thanks this incredible story of this historic period. All Heroes who risked so much to help others. If you never talk about it we just never know. Thanks again Mark

[@jerrycallison6125]

Thanks, once again. Once more you have illuminated a little known sector of the war.