The Air Transport Auxiliary: Women Who Delivered Victory

Flying Without a Net

The Air Transport Auxiliary was responsible for ferrying new, repaired, and damaged military aircraft between factories, maintenance units, and front-line squadrons. Its women pilots — initially restricted to light aircraft — eventually flew every type in the RAF inventory, from Spitfires to four-engine bombers.

No Instruments, No Radio, No Weapons

ATA pilots flew without radios, without instrument training (they were expected to stay below cloud), and without weapons. They navigated by map and compass, often in appalling weather. If they got lost above cloud, they had no means of calling for help. Fifteen women pilots were killed on duty.

Mary Ellis

First Officer Mary Ellis was one of the most remarkable ATA pilots, delivering over 1,000 aircraft of 76 types. She once delivered a Wellington bomber she had never flown before, reading the pilot's notes during the flight. She continued flying until her 90s.

Legacy

The ATA women proved conclusively that female pilots were every bit as capable as their male counterparts. Despite this, they received only 80% of men's pay and no military pension. Full recognition came decades after the war.