The Women Pilots Who Delivered Fighter Planes During WWII

March is National Women’s Month. As such, airlines have been organizing flights with all-female crews to empower other women to pursue careers in what is deemed a male-dominated industry: aviation. While some people may think it was only in recent times, apart from Amelia Earhart, that women took to the skies, women have been contributing to aviation as early as World War II. One of those lesser-known stories is that of the women who delivered fighter planes to the battlefields during World War II. Hence, allow me to share with you the story of these wonderful and brave women as we celebrate National Women’s Month.

As World War II engulfed Europe, air dominance was vital in winning the battle. Behind the scenes of this aerial conflict, a group of women played a vital role in keeping the Royal Air Force (RAF) and other Allied forces supplied with the necessary aircraft. These women, known as the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) pilots, undertook a daring and often-overlooked mission – ferrying new and repaired fighter planes from factories and repair depots to operational squadrons across the United Kingdom.

The Formation of the ATA

The idea for a women’s auxiliary transport service emerged in the early years of the war. With male pilots desperately needed for combat roles, there was a growing shortage of personnel to ferry aircraft within the UK. Initially, the suggestion of utilizing women pilots was met with skepticism. However, a determined group of women, including Pauline Gower, a prominent aviatrix, and Lady Blanche Primrose – a pilot and wife of the then-Prime Minister – championed the cause. Their efforts, coupled with a growing manpower shortage, eventually led to the formation of the ATA in 1940.

The first eight women pilots joined the ATA on New Year’s Day, 1940. These pioneers, including Joan Hughes, Margaret Cunnison, Mona Friedlander, Rosemary Rees, Marion Wilberforce, Margaret Fairweather, Gabrielle Patterson, and Winifred Crossley Fair, faced numerous challenges. They were initially restricted to flying only slow biplanes like the de Havilland Tiger Moth, a stark contrast to the powerful and complex fighter aircraft they would soon be entrusted with. Despite this initial limitation, they displayed exceptional skills and a strong work ethic, gradually earning the respect of their male counterparts.

The ATA pilot pool grew steadily throughout the war, eventually encompassing over 166 women from Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the United States, the Netherlands, and Poland. These women came from a variety of backgrounds, including experienced pilots, commercial flyers, and even housewives who had learned to fly as a hobby. They were united by their passion for aviation, their unwavering dedication to the war effort, and their willingness to break down gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated domain.

As the ATA pilots proved their competence, they were gradually granted permission to fly a wider range of aircraft. This progression began with trainers like the Airspeed Oxford and Hawker Hurricane, followed by more complex fighters such as the Supermarine Spitfire and the North American P-51 Mustang. By the war’s end, the ATA women were routinely ferrying every type of aircraft flown by the RAF, including bombers like the Avro Lancaster and Short Stirling. This increasing responsibility placed a heavy burden on their shoulders, as even minor mistakes with these high-performance machines could have catastrophic consequences.

The Dangers and Challenges of Ferry Flights

The work of the ATA pilots was inherently dangerous. They often flew in poor weather conditions, with limited navigation aids and rudimentary safety equipment. Many of the aircraft they ferried were fresh off production lines or had just undergone repairs, increasing the risk of mechanical failures. Furthermore, the constant threat of German air raids added another layer of danger to their missions. Tragically, 15 ATA pilots lost their lives during the war.

The ATA’s contribution to the war effort went beyond simply delivering aircraft. The women pilots also played a vital role in testing newly repaired machines, ensuring their airworthiness before they were handed over to combat squadrons. Additionally, they participated in target-towing exercises, providing valuable practice for RAF gunners. Their work not only freed up male pilots for combat roles but also ensured a constant flow of operational aircraft to the frontlines.

Despite their significant contribution to the war effort, the achievements of the ATA women were largely unrecognized for many years. They were often excluded from official accounts of the war and received minimal public recognition. However, in recent decades, their story has gained well-deserved attention. Memorials have been erected in their honor, and their bravery and skill have been documented in books, films, and documentaries.

The story of these brave women should never be forgotten, and it is indeed wonderful to share such stories to empower more women to let their dreams take flight. The story of flying women is not something new, as proven by the brave women of the ATA, who flew the best fighter planes of the war.