Amy Johnson was born in Hull- but does the city know about her amazing achievements? Few women went to university in the 1920s – she did. Later she learned to fly; gained her pilot A licence in July 1929, and then a ground engineer licence.
Amy’s ambitions went sky high. She bought a second hand Gypsy Moth plane, and in summer 1930 took up the challenge to fly solo to Australia, coping on her own with engine, navigation and awful air strips. She reached Northern Australia in 19 days, becoming the first woman to make this daring solo flight..
What else? Several other extraordinaty long distance flights, and she ranks alongside other world famous pilots of the 1930s such as Amelia Earhart and Linbergh.
In 1939 Amy Johnson, although an outstanding pilot, could not serve in the RAF. No women were allowed to be combat pilots. She flew for the Air Transport Auxilliary, taking new aircraft to RAF bases. In 1941, while flying she lost contact with base, her plane was attacked as suspicious. Her death remains a mystery. Join us to find out more.
Dr. Victoria Taylor gained her doctorate at Hull. She spoke to the branch on the German devastating attacks on Hull 1940-45. She works professionally , speaking, and advising TV and film makers on aviation history. Her book Eagle Days, the life and death of the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain, was published recently