Background
Sofia was born in Russia. She was obviously of the royal lineage.
Sofia was born in Russia. She was obviously of the royal lineage.
Sofia had a medical education.
In 1912, Duchess Dolgorukaya had a pilot training in France conducted by the great Louis Bleriot, who first flew over the English Channel in 1909.
After that, she returned to Russia and studied at the Higher Women's Courses. She got a pilot diploma in 1914, just a few days prior to the war, after completing training in the Imperial Russian Aero Club in St. Petersburg.
At the outbreak of war in August 1914 Dolgorukaia, like many other patriotic women, offered her services to her country. However, it was not until the first revolution in February 1917 that women were encouraged to take active service by the Provisional Government's minister of war, Aleksandr Kerensky. At that time Dolgorukaia was given permission to serve with the 26th Corps Air Squadron as a military observation and reconnaissance pilot.
Sofiia Dolgorukaya was one of the last known women to receive a pilot's certificate from a prerevolutionary Russian flying school.
At the same time, she was actively involved in auto racing, since the financial position of the family allowed her to do anything. She took part in races, including multi-stage ones. She was the only woman among 48 racers who participated in the motor rally of 1910 for the prize of Nicholas II. The rally covered lands of the Great Russia, Belarus and Ukraine and distance of 3200 kilometers.
Sofia Dolgorykaya joined the State Duma Red Cross as a sister of mercy.
Sofia was married to the colonel of the Life Guards of the Horse Regiment, Prince Sergei Dolgorukiy. After some period of time they divorced.
