Nadia Russo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nadia Russo
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
Nadejda Brjozovska
17 June 1901 Tver, Russia
|
| Died | 22 January 1988 (aged 86) |
| Nationality | Romanian |
| Known for | Aviator |
| Spouse(s) | Alexandru Russo Gheorghe Bossie |
| Parent(s) | Evgheni Brjozovski |
Nadia Russo-Bossie (born June 17, 1901 – died January 22, 1988) was a brave Romanian aviator. She flew planes during World War II. Nadia was part of a special group called the White Squadron. This team was made up of only women pilots. They flew planes that carried injured soldiers to hospitals. Romania was the only country during the war that let women fly these important medical missions.
Contents
Early Life and Escape
Nadia was born Nadejda Brjozovska in Tver, Russia, in 1901. Her father was a general in the army. Her mother came from an old noble family. Nadia became an orphan when she was a teenager.
In 1917, the Bolshevik revolution started in Russia. Nadia and her sister had to escape. Friends of her father helped them. They found safety in Bessarabia. This region later became part of Romania.
In 1925, Nadia married Alexandru Russo. He was a wealthy man. Their marriage lasted only a few years. After they separated, Nadia moved to Bucharest. There, she studied nursing, aviation, and art.
Becoming a Pilot
Nadia was one of the first women in Romania to become a pilot. She was only the ninth person in the country to get a pilot's license. In 1937, she bought her own airplane. It was a Bücker Bü 131. The Romanian government helped pay for half of the plane. The public helped pay for the other half.
With her own plane, Nadia proudly represented Romania. In 1938, she flew in a big air race. It was called the Rally of the Little Antante. Nadia was the only pilot to fly the entire 4,000 kilometers (about 2,500 miles) alone. She did not have anyone else in the plane with her.
Because of this amazing flight, King Carol II gave her a special award. It was called the "Aeronautical Virtue" Order of peace, Golden Cross class.
Flying for the White Squadron
As a new war seemed likely in Europe, Nadia was asked to join a new team. This team was made up of only women pilots. It later became famous as the White Squadron. Four other women joined her: Mariana Drăgescu, Virginia Thomas, Marina Știrbei, and Irina Burnaia.
Nadia flew many missions during the war. She was especially active during the Battle of Stalingrad. This was a very important and difficult battle. In 1943, Nadia had to leave the White Squadron. She was not feeling well. The war was still going on at that time.
The pilots of the White Squadron saved many lives. They helped more than 1,500 injured soldiers. They flew these soldiers from the battlefields to hospitals.
Later Life and Challenges
After the war, Nadia faced some difficult times. She was wrongly accused of being involved with English military officers. In 1951, she was sent to prison for seven years. She spent six years in prisons in Romania.
In 1957, she was part of the Bărăgan deportations. This meant she was forced to move to a camp. While at the camp, she met Gheorghe Bossie. They fell in love and got married.
Death
Nadia Russo-Bossie passed away in Bucharest in 1988. She was 86 years old. She was buried in the Resurrection Cemetery in Bucharest.
Awards and Honors
Nadia Russo received several important awards for her bravery and skill:
- Gold Cross of the Order of Aeronautical Virtue with Swords (1941)
- Order of the German Eagle, 3rd class (Germany, 1942)
- Order of the Queen Marie Cross, 3rd class (1943)
Images for kids
-
Stamp of Moldova featuring Nadia Russo.
