Did your grandma ever fly a Spitfire?
A SEARCH has been launched for Ulster grandmothers who flew Spitfires, Hurricanes and other iconic planes during the Second World War.
It is thought that many Ulster women took to the skies ferrying fighter planes from RAF Aldergrove to frontline squadrons.
In an effort to trace down details of these remarkable women, the Maidenhead Heritage Centre and Museum in Berkshire is looking for relatives to come forward with information on the pilots and others who worked for Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) at Aldergrove during the Second World War.
"We have asked the question, 'Did your grandma fly a Spitfire?' because it's sounds highly improbable, but it is very much true," said Richard Poad from the Maidenhead Heritage Centre, which is home to Britain's only dedicated ATA research centre and exhibition.
"This role played by women from across the UK, including Northern Ireland, has been largely forgotten and that is why we are appealing for any information at all."
In 1944, the ATA decided to give pilot training to a number of women from the WAAF (Women's Auxiliary Air Force). Together they helped deliver 309,000 aircraft, an amazing achievement, especially as most of the women had only flown light aircraft before the war.
Mr Poad said: "One of these, Kay Smith, was a weather forecaster on the north coast of Ulster before she joined ATA. On joining ATA, she saved money by dyeing her WAAF greatcoat dark blue.
"When her training was complete she flew all types of single engined-aircraft from Tiger Moths to Spitfires and Hurricanes."
Mr Poad has already assembled around 1,000 records and photographs ahead of a planned exhibition.
"Our exhibition will celebrate their inspiring stories and allow friends and relatives to find out more about their loved-ones incredible achievements.
"We want to gather together in one place as much information as possible about the ATA so that we can tell this forgotten but inspiring story as accurately and as fully as possible.
"We would be delighted to hear from anyone who has information about the ATA's base in Belfast or the people who worked there."
Do you know a surviving female Spitfire pilot? Call the News Letter on 028 3839 5577 and contact Maidenhead Heritage Centre at ata@maidenheadheritage.org.uk, call 01628 780555 or write to Maidenhead Heritage Centre, 18 Park Street, Maidenhead SL6 1SL.
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Monday 28 May 2012
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