I’m currently reading The Beauty Chorus by Kate Lord Brown which was #gifted to me. Seems fitting on #VEDay75. The story was inspired by the women of WW2 who signed up to the ATA (Air Transport Auxiliary) flying fighter planes from factories to bases and airfields across Britain.

I love researching topics that come up in the books I read. It’s one of my favourite things to do. I get so invested so here are some of the things I‘be discovered.

During the war, the ATA flew 415,000 hours and delivered more than 309,000 aircrafts of 147 different types including the iconic Spitfires.

Sadly, 174 pilots (both men and women) were killed flying for the ATA.

The ATA provided a role for those who were deemed unsuitable for active service be that due to age, fitness level or gender. They also ignored any disabilities that didn’t prevent the job from getting done.
People from 28 countries flew with the ATA.

Female pilots pictured at the No. 5 Ferry Pilots Pool Women's Section based at Hatfield in Berkshire, England

Female pilots nicknamed “Attagirls” had high press coverage. Nov 14th 1939, commander Pauline Gower MBE was given the task of organising the women’. The first 8 women were accepted into service on Jan 1st 1940 - initially cleared to only fly Tiger Moths from the Hatfield base.

Those women’s names were: Joan Hughes, Margaret Cunnison, Mona Friedlander, Rosemary Rees, Marion Wilberforce, Margaret Fairweather, Gabrielle Patterson and Winifred Crossley Fair.

(Pictured is Margaret, Mona & Joan)

During WW2, 166 women joined the ATA, volunteering from Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, America, the Netherlands, Poland, Argentina and Chile. 15 of these women lost their lives in the air.

Eventually women could fly all types of aircraft that the RAF used. Hurricanes were first flown in July 1941 with Spitfires following in August of the same year.

Notably, some women received the same pay as their male co-workers. The first time the British government did this.

Official motto: Aetheris Avidi - Eager for the Air.

Unofficial: Anything to Anywhere.

Photo is of Diana Barnato Walker climbing into the cockpit of a Spitfire.

Never underestimate the bravery of women.

“Even if it is a hard struggle we will not be the ones who will fail”