Drunk History season 6 episode 14 Recap and FAQ
Episode Summary
During World War II, Marina Raskova formed the Night Witches, an all-female squadron that carried out stealth bombing missions against Nazi Germany. Flying outdated biplanes, they became a significant force, feared by the Nazis. They executed low-flying, silent attacks, dropping bombs with precision, earning them the nickname "Nachthexen." Meanwhile, the Civil War's Great Locomotive Chase saw Union soldiers, led by James J. Andrews, attempt a daring mission to disrupt Confederate supply lines by hijacking a train, leading to a dramatic chase. Despite their eventual capture and the execution of some members, their bravery was recognized with the first-ever Medals of Honor.
Full Episode S06E14 Recap
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the Night Witches?
The Night Witches were an all-female squadron in World War II, known for their stealth bombing missions against Nazi Germany.
How did Marina Raskova contribute to the formation of the Night Witches?
Marina Raskova used her influence to convince Joseph Stalin to establish an all-female air force unit, leading to the formation of the Night Witches.
What type of aircraft did the Night Witches fly?
The Night Witches flew outdated biplanes from the 1920s, made of plywood and canvas, originally used as crop dusters.
Why were the Night Witches' planes considered inadequate for combat?
Their planes lacked modern navigational tools, radar, radio, and parachutes, making them vulnerable but also hard to detect, which aided their stealth missions.
How did the Night Witches execute their bombing missions?
They carried out stealth bombing missions by flying low to avoid detection, carrying minimal bombs due to weight restrictions, and gliding silently over their targets to drop bombs.
What was the German nickname for the Night Witches, and why?
The Germans nicknamed them "Nachthexen," meaning Night Witches, due to their stealthy and terrifying night-time bombing raids.
What recognition did the Night Witches receive for their service?
The Night Witches became the most highly decorated unit in the Soviet Union military, receiving numerous awards and honors for their bravery and contributions to the war effort.
What was the Great Locomotive Chase during the Civil War?
The Great Locomotive Chase was an 1862 military raid in which Union soldiers, led by James J. Andrews, attempted to disrupt Confederate supply lines by stealing a train named The General.
How did William Fuller pursue the stolen General?
Fuller pursued The General on foot and by commandeering various trains and modes of transportation, including a handcart and another train called The Texas.
What was the outcome of the Great Locomotive Chase?
Andrews and his raiders were eventually captured after a chase spanning 87 miles. Andrews and seven of his men were executed, while others were exchanged as prisoners of war or awarded the Medal of Honor.
Who received the first-ever Medal of Honor?
Six of Andrews' raiders received the first-ever Medal of Honor for their actions during the Great Locomotive Chase, as recognized by the Advocate General of the U.S. Army.
What challenges did the Night Witches face during their missions?
The Night Witches faced challenges such as flying outdated and vulnerable aircraft, navigating without modern tools, and carrying out missions under the threat of enemy fire.
How did the Nazis react to the Night Witches?
The Nazis feared the Night Witches, awarding the Iron Cross to any soldier who shot one down due to their effectiveness and the psychological impact of their night-time raids.
What happened to Marina Raskova?
Marina Raskova died in battle in 1943 and received the first state funeral of World War II. Her ashes are placed in the Kremlin.
How did the Night Witches contribute to the Soviet Union's war effort?
The Night Witches contributed by completing 30,000 missions, dropping 23,000 tons of bombs, and significantly disrupting Nazi operations on the Eastern Front.
