Interesting History

[DianneT]

Eleanor Wadsworth, ATA
died yesterday at the age of 103 in Bury St Edmunds, Britain's last surviving 'Spitfire Girl' (there are two more in the USA). Theirs was a dangerous job, ferrying planes from factory, repair shop and airfield. They were not bound by RAF flying regulations, so flew in appalling weather conditions, and of course, often alone, even in larger aircraft, some being licensed to fly 4 engines- Lancasters and Stirlings- quite a handful! The aircraft were often damaged, so were unreliable in the air, being sent for repair.
There weren't really very many women in the ATA, (160) although the ATA numbered hundreds, it included men as well! They have more recently been lauded for the dangerous job they did, and not all made it.
Eleanor then and recently, and a group of unidentifed ATA girls beside a Hurricane.
RIP Eleanor you did a wonderful job.

[oneputt]

RIP Eleanor and thank you for your valuable service during the war. We are so proud of you

[David from Suffolk]

If I recall correctly Marshals at Cambridge was used to repair many of the damaged aircraft. I can remember seeing heaps of broken bits stacked on the side of the airfield when with my mum we visited Cambridge.

[Tigerfish]

The ATA Girls were great flyers, often managing big aircraft on solo deliveries.

TF