Back in wartime Miss Jadwiga Pilsudska was an ATA ferry pilot, flying various sorts of aircraft, including the Hurricane and the Spitfire.
Unfortunately, we don’t have an airworthy Spitfire in Poland for her to fly now, but she has accepted a lesser warbird and recently joined Jacek Mainka for a ride in his Taylorcraft Auster.
By: Soggy - 27th September 2011 at 13:10
Then there’s the original authorised history of the ATA, “Brief Glory” by E C Cheeseman, available here:
By: bazv - 26th September 2011 at 20:32
Does anyone know any good books on the subject? I could browse but recommendations count for a lot.
Jackie Sorour (Moggridge) wrote a good autobio ‘Woman Pilot’
Veronica Volkerz also wrote ‘The sky and I’
both interesting books
Some interesting photos and links on this old thread…
http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?t=103579&highlight=jackie+moggridge
By: cotteswold - 26th September 2011 at 19:47
Glad the male/female bit was brought into it.
I was guilty of falling for the girls.
But then, I never met a chap.
= Tim
By: Sky High - 26th September 2011 at 17:19
That’s OK, James – I think I echoed your thought in my reply to Tim -Cottesmore.
And more reading suggestions from ozplane – thanks.:)
By: ozplane - 26th September 2011 at 17:10
Just to add that there are a couple of references to the lady in question in “The Forgotten Pilots”. Apparently she left in 1944 to study architecture. Probably a wise move as Poland must have been a blank canvas after the war.
By: ozplane - 26th September 2011 at 17:06
There is also “The Forgotten Pilots” by a fomer ATA pilot, Lettice Curtis. It was published by Nelson Saunders in 1971 although my copy is the 3rd edition of 1985.
By: JDK - 26th September 2011 at 13:52
Hi Sky High – it wasn’t a remark direct at you (though it was inspired so!) but more an observation that the way we choose to remember some things and groups pushers other – often just as important – out of the equally deserved limelight. Think of the other groups that don’t get a chance because of the focus on the Tuskeegee Airmen (the Mexican fighter units for instance).
I’m sure there’s people around today who think the ATA consisted of only female aircrew.
Not to divert the tread from a remarkable lady and her achievements – sorry!
By: Sky High - 26th September 2011 at 13:43
Yes – I agree – I was forming that thought in my mind as I was typing. Apologies for the omission.
By: JDK - 26th September 2011 at 13:41
Great story, well done her and the AOP crew.
…Those ATA girls …
It’s the ATA chaps I feel sorry for, now doubly ‘overlooked’ because they aren’t glamorous or surprising, yet their achievement is also worth remembering.
Regards,
By: Sky High - 26th September 2011 at 13:28
They put us to shame!!
Not at all. Everyone contributed and helped to win it equally, but some were quickly forgotten. And it’s marvellous that so many of you who are still with us, and are still so able to help us remember.
By: Sky High - 26th September 2011 at 13:24
Thanks – I’ll have a look for it.
By: VoyTech - 26th September 2011 at 13:22
Does anyone know any good books on the subject?
I liked “Spitfire Women of World War II” by Giles Whittell
By: cotteswold - 26th September 2011 at 13:18
They put us to shame!!
By: Sky High - 26th September 2011 at 13:11
Great story – good for her. Those ATA girls were the unsung heroes until a very good programme a few months ago. Does anyone know any good books on the subject? I could browse but recommendations count for a lot.
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September 26, 2011 at 1:08 pm