Mariya Vasilyevna

They say that “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” But if you take her love away, it gets a helluva lot worse – something the Germans would find out the hard way.

Mariya Vasilyevna was born on August 16, 1905, in Crimea as one of ten children. Coming from a family of dirt poor peasants, she was a serf – which is a fancy word for slave. As such, they could neither go anywhere nor do anything without their landlord’s permission.

It was hardly surprising, therefore, that she took to Communism like a fish to water. Awful though that may sound to the rest of us, it freed her from a life of indentured bondage and allowed her to get an education, a job in a cannery, and later, work as a telephone operator.

Then in 1925, she met the love of her life – Ilya Oktyabrskaya. The Russian Empire had given way to the Soviet Union three years before, and Ilya was a Soviet army officer who must have taken her on interesting dates because Mariya became fascinated with the military.

She joined the “Military Wives Council,” trained as an army nurse, learned how to drive cars (unusual for women back then), and how to use different weapons. She once wrote to her sister and said, “Marry a serviceman and you serve in the army.”

Despite their best efforts, the couple couldn’t have children, but they at least had each other. And they comforted themselves with the sincere belief that they were helping to build a new and better country for their people. It was almost perfect.

Until June 22, 1941.

Operation Barbarossa
Operation Barbarossa

Wanting to increase German territory and destroy communism, Hitler ordered the invasion of Russia – known as Operation Barbarossa. It involved 3.8 million German personnel, 3,350 tanks, 2,770 planes, and 7,200 artillery pieces – making it the largest invasion in history.

Hitler had originally made a pact with Stalin to keep the Soviet Union out of the war. While it lulled the Soviets into a false sense of security, they nevertheless prepared for an invasion. Yet when it came, they were still taken by surprise.

Stalin believed, however, that the invasion would come south of it, since that led to the economically important regions in Ukraine.

They were still deploying their forces when the Germans came. And while some Soviet tank models were superior to what the Germans had, they didn’t have enough of them. The Soviets also lacked ammunition, radios and supply trucks – giving the Germans a massive advantage.

Tomsk in Siberia
Tomsk in Siberia

For her safety, Mariya was sent to Tomsk in Siberia and there did her best to keep her spirits up. But as advanced as Soviet tanks were, their infrastructure and communications systems were otherwise. Two years would pass before she learned the fate of her beloved Ilya.

He was killed by German soldiers just outside Kiev in August 1941. Mariya went berserk. Then she sold everything she had and wrote to Stalin:

My husband was killed in action defending the motherland. I want revenge on the fascist dogs for his death and for the death of Soviet people tortured by the fascist barbarians. For this purpose, I’ve deposited all my personal savings – 50,000 rubles – to the National Bank in order to build a tank. I kindly ask to name the tank ‘Fighting Girlfriend’ and to send me to the frontline as a driver of said tank.

Probably terrified she’d come after him if he refused, Stalin wrote back and said, “Sure!”

T-34 medium tank
T-34 medium tank

The State Defense Committee weren’t as convinced. But they did understand the publicity value she provided, so they got her a T-34 medium tank.

She was then put through a five-month tank training program – unlike male recruits who were given far less time before being sent to the war front (often still unprepared). That done, Mariya was assigned to the 26th Guards Tank Brigade as a driver and mechanic in September 1943 – becoming a laughingstock.

A woman!? In a tank!? Named Fighting Girlfriend!? There was a real war going on with real people dying! This was no time for a publicity stunt!

Clearly, they hadn’t heard about what happens when a woman loses the love of her life – especially when she loses them to Nazis. But her sister knew, because Mariya wrote to her, claiming that, “I’ve had my baptism by fire … Sometimes, I’m so angry I can’t even breathe.”

October 21, 1943, in Smolensk
October 21, 1943, in Smolensk

Everyone else would find out on October 21, 1943, in Smolensk. Located 220 miles west-southwest of the capital at Moscow, the Germans had taken the city in 1941, but could go no further. The Russians took most of it back on September 25, 1943, but were still dealing with German resistance.

Mariya revved up Fighting Girlfriend and charged – taking out several anti-tank guns and machine gun nests before getting hit. Against orders, she jumped out, and despite heavy enemy fire, fixed the damage before jumping back in to fight. The last German defense rings were finally gone, and their route to Moscow was no longer secure.

They called her “mother” after that, but it wasn’t enough. They also promoted her to the rank of Sergeant.

Novoye Selo in Vitebsk
Novoye Selo in Vitebsk

Weeks later on November 17, the Soviets recaptured the town of Novoye Selo in Vitebsk. Mariya attacked German defensive positions till an artillery shell blew out her tank tracks. Under cover fire, she again jumped out to fix her beloved tank, before rejoining her unit.

January 17, 1944 saw her outside the town of Shvedy, still in Vitebsk. Mariya attacked several German trenches, machine-gun nests, and artillery guns, when, you guessed it – her tank was hit by a German anti-tank shell.

As usual, she hopped out to fix the Fighting Girlfriend. She had just done so when her luck ran out. Another anti-tank shell blasted several meters away, showering her with shell fragments – some of which slammed into her head.

Mariya never regained consciousness. She was taken to a hospital near Kiev and lay in a coma for two months before finally rejoining her beloved Ilya on March 15, 1944. By August, they made her a Hero of the Soviet Union.


warhistoryonline


 

106 thoughts on “World War II Stories: Nazis Killed Her Husband, She Bought A Tank And Went On A Rampage”
  1. Have you ever thought about publishing an ebook or guest authoring on other blogs?

    I have a blog based on the same information you discuss and would love to have you share
    some stories/information. I know my subscribers would appreciate your work.
    If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an email.

  2. Wow, amazing weblog layout! How lengthy have you ever been blogging for?

    you made running a blog glance easy. The entire look of
    your site is fantastic, as smartly as the Marketing content!

  3. Hello to every one, the contents present at this web site
    are really amazing for people experience, well, keep up the good work fellows.

  4. Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and
    I find It truly useful & it helped me out a lot.
    I hope to give something back and aid others like you helped me.

  5. Great blog here! Also your site loazds uup very fast! What web page host are yyou
    using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
    I wish my website loaded uup as fast as yours lol

  6. Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.
    Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! However, how could we communicate?

  7. Hi i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anyplace, when i read this paragraph i thought i
    could also make comment due to this sensible piece of writing.

  8. This is really fascinating, You’re an overly skilled blogger.

    I’ve joined your feed and look forward to looking for extra of your
    fantastic post. Additionally, I have shared your site in my
    social networks

  9. I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right
    here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish.
    nonetheless, you command get got an nervousness over
    that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again since exactly the same nearly very often inside
    case you shield this increase.

  10. This is the right web site for anybody who hopes to ffind out about this topic.
    You know so much its almost hard to argue wih you (not that
    I really will need to…HaHa). Youu definitely put a
    fresh spin on a subject which has been written about for a long
    time. Wonserful stuff, just excellent!
    Play poker for free how to play poker oker hand

  11. This is very fascinating, You are a very professional blogger.
    I have joined your feed and sit up for looking for more of your excellent post.
    Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks

  12. Thank you, I’ve recently been searching foor info abouyt this
    subject for a long time and yours is the greatest
    I’ve discovered so far. However, what about thhe conclusion? Are you positive about the supply?

    Poker tournament how to play pokerpoker play
    free

  13. Hi there are using WordPress for your site platform?
    I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and set up my own. Do you
    need any coding knowledge to make your own blog?
    Any help would be really appreciated!

    Check out my web blog sylvania headlights

  14. An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a friend who had been doing a little
    research on this. And he actually bought me lunch simply because I stumbled upon it for
    him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!!
    But yeah, thanks for spending the time to talk about
    this topic here on your website.

  15. You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I
    find this topic to be actually something which I think I would never understand.
    It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I am looking forward
    for our next post, I will ttry to get thhe hang of it!

    bini tattoo com

  16. I need to to thank you for this excellent read!! I certainly loved every bit of it.
    I have got you book marked to check out new stuff you
    post…

  17. I feel this is one of the such a lot significant information for me.
    And i am happy studying your article. But want to remark on few general things, The web
    site style is perfect, the articles is in point of fact nice :
    D. Good process, cheers

  18. Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the pictures on this blog loading?
    I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.
    Any responses would be greatly appreciated.

  19. Aw, this was an exceptionally good post. Taking the time
    and actual effort to produce a really good article… but what can I say… I hesitate
    a whole lot and never manage to get nearly anything done.

  20. Ich habe Vorgestern mehr als zwei Stunden im Browser gesucht, doch ich habe nie einen interessanteren Artikel wie Ihren hier gefunden. Für mich ist er ziemlich gewinnbringend.
    Würden mehrere Portalbetreiber gute Inhalte wie Sie
    schreiben würden, wäre das WWW viel bedeutender.

  21. Great weblog here! Additionally your website a lot up very fast!
    What host are you using? Can I am getting your associate hyperlink
    for your host? I desire my website loaded up as fast as
    yours lol

  22. Thanks for the auspicious writeup. It if truth be told was
    once a enjoyment account it. Glance advanced to more delivered agreeable from you!
    By the way, how could we keep in touch?

  23. That is a good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere.
    Short but very accurate info… Thank you for sharing this one.
    A must read post!
    ставки на cs go website ставки на матчі

  24. Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on sites
    I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It will always be helpful to read through articles from other
    writers and use a little something from their web sites.

  25. After looking into a few of the blog articles on your web page, I really appreciate your technique of writing a blog.
    I added it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Please
    check out my web site as well and tell me what you think.

  26. Its such as you learn my mind! You appear to know a lot approximately this, like you wrote the guide
    in it or something. I believe that you just can do with some % to pressure the
    message house a little bit, however other than that, this
    is wonderful blog. A great read. I will certainly be
    back.

  27. We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.

    Your website offered us with valuable information to work
    on. You’ve done a formidable job and our whole community will be thankful to you.

  28. I have been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or blog posts on this sort of house .
    Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website.
    Reading this information So i am happy to exhibit that I’ve an incredibly just right uncanny feeling
    I came upon just what I needed. I so much certainly will make certain to do
    not omit this site and give it a glance regularly.

    My webpage – Optima Nutra Keto

  29. Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is
    a very well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and return to
    read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I
    will definitely comeback.

  30. Hi there are using WordPress for your site platform?

    I’m neww to the blog world but I’m trying to
    get startyed and creaate my own. Do you need any coding knowledge to make your own blog?
    Any help would be really appreciated!
    школа покера poker onlkne game (blakesector.scumvv.ca) poker tournaments

  31. It is actually a great and helpful piece of information. I am
    satisfied that you just shared this helpful info with us.
    Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

  32. Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The words in your post seem to
    be running off the screen in Chrome. I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know.

    The layout look great though! Hope you get the issue resolved soon. Cheers

  33. Hello, i think that i saw you visited my web site so i got here to go
    back the choose?.I’m trying to find things to enhance my web site!I guess its ok to use some of your ideas!!

  34. Thanks for sharing superb informations. Your website is so cool.
    I’m impressed by the details that you have on this website.
    It reveals how nicely you understand this subject.
    Bookmarked this web page, will come back for extra articles.
    You, my pal, ROCK! I found just the information I already searched everywhere and simply could not come across.
    What an ideal web-site.

    Also visit my web-site http://rapidketopure.org/

  35. Hola! I’ve been reading your site for a while now and finalply ggot
    the bravery to go ahead and gijve you a shout out from Huffman Texas!
    Juust wanted to tell you keep up the fantastic work!

    онлайн-казино бездепозитный бонус без прохождения игры site a casino online

  36. My spouse and I absolutely love your blog
    and find most of your post’s to be exactly what I’m looking
    for. Would you offer guest writers to write content for you personally?
    I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on a lot of the subjects you write related to here.

    Again, awesome blog!

  37. Incredible! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a completely different topic but it has pretty much the same page layout and design. Great choice of colors!

  38. I’m not sure why but this site is loading incredibly slow for me.

    Is anyone else having this issue or is it a issue on my end?
    I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.

  39. This is really interesting, You are an overly professional blogger.

    I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to in search of more of your
    wonderful post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks

  40. Hi would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with?
    I’m going to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a difficult time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
    The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique.
    P.S Sorry for getting off-topic but I had to ask!

  41. What’s up everyone, it’s my first pay a quick visit at this web
    site, and piece of writing is genuinely fruitful designed for me,
    keep up posting these types of articles or reviews.

  42. Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate!
    He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this article to him.
    Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!

  43. I have to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog.

    I am hoping to view the same high-grade content from you later on as well.
    In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to
    get my own website now 😉

    Look at my webpage; hydroxychloroquine

  44. بهترین شرکت طراحی وب سایت اصفهان:
    بهترین شرکت طراحی وب سایت ( وبسایت ) اصفهان گروه طراحی ساینا دیزاین می باشد که مجری
    طراحی سایت در اصفهان است و فعالیت رسمی خود را در زمینه طراحی از سال 1387 شروع کرده است
    .

    با توجه به نیاز مشاغل امروزی به طراحی
    سایت، ما بر این باور هستیم که تحلیل درستی از کسب و کارها
    و صنعت مشتریان خود داشته باشیم و بتوانیم همسو با نظرات و عقاید و انتظارات مشتریان و در جهت رشد کسب و کار آن ها
    قدم برداریم .

  45. Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to
    say that I’ve truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts.
    After all I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again very soon!

  46. you’re in point of fact a just right webmaster.

    The site loading speed is incredible. It sort of feels that you’re doing any distinctive trick.

    Moreover, The contents are masterwork. you have done a
    great activity on this topic!

  47. Thanks for some other excellent post. Where else could anybody get that kind of info in such an ideal method
    of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I’m on the search
    for such information.

    my web blog; plaquenil online

  48. Today, I went to the beachfront with my children. I found
    a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and
    said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put
    the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
    She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off topic but I had
    to tell someone!

  49. Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to
    say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts.

    After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again very soon!

  50. I will right away grab your rss feed as I can’t in finding your
    email subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve
    any? Kindly allow me know so that I may just subscribe.
    Thanks.

  51. Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and
    I’m inspired! Very helpful information specifically the closing part 🙂 I handle such info a lot.
    I was looking for this particular info for a long time.
    Thank you and best of luck.

  52. Hello there! This blog post couldn’t be written much better!

    Looking at this article reminds me of my previous roommate!
    He constantly kept talking about this. I’ll forward this information to him.
    Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!

  53. Very good blog! Do you have any tips and hints for aspiring writers?

    I’m hoping to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
    Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m completely confused ..
    Any tips? Thanks!

  54. I loved ɑs much as you will receive carrked ouut гight
    hеrе. The sketch іs tasteful, yoᥙr authored subject matter stylish.
    nonetһeless, you command gеt bought ɑn shakiness over that yοu wish be delivering the following.

    unwell unquestionably come fᥙrther formerly again as exactly tһе sаme nearⅼy
    a ⅼot often inside case yoս shield this hike.

    My homepaցe: Cosplay

  55. It’s truly very complex in this busy life to listen news on Television, therefore I only
    use world wide web for that purpose, and take
    the newest information.

  56. Magnificent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your website, how can i subscribe for
    a blog site? The account helped me a acceptable deal.I haad been a little
    biit acquaainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear concept

  57. Hello my loved one! I wish to say that this article is awesome, nice written and come with approximately all important infos.
    I’d like to peer extra posts like this .

  58. I’m extremely impressed with yyour writing skills andd also with
    the layout onn your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize
    it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it
    is rare to see a great blopg like thios one today.
    web site bett match betting

  59. After looking at a number of the articles on your blog, I truly like your technique of blogging.
    I book-marked it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back in the near
    future. Please check out my web site as well and let me know how
    you feel.

  60. Hi there would you mind letting me know which web host you’re using?
    I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most.
    Can you suggest a good internet hosting provider at
    a reasonable price? Kudos, I appreciate it!

  61. Helpful information. Lucky me I discovered
    your website unintentionally, and I am shocked why this twist of fate didn’t took place in advance!
    I bookmarked it.

  62. Hi, I do think this is an excellent website. I stumbledupon it 😉 I may return once again since I book-marked it.
    Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and
    continue to guide other people.

  63. Good day! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after reading through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
    Nonetheless, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking
    back often!

Comments are closed.

This site uses cookies. Find out more about this site’s cookies. GOT IT!