Mary Ellis Who Flew Warplanes During WW2 Dies At 101

Mary Ellis, one of the last surviving female Spitfire pilots, who flew more than 1,000 warplanes during World War 2, breathed her last at the age of 101. She died at her house next to the Sandown runway in Isle Of Wight on July 25. She has no immediate survivors. Her husband died in 2009.

Mary Ellis was the first female to run a European airport at the Isle of Wight’s Sandown airfield in 1950 to 1970. She was a pioneering volunteer for Britain’s Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) during WW2 and was often regarded as “heroine”.

She was born in 1919 in a farming family in Brize Norton, Oxfordshire. She learned to fly an airplane at a nearby aero club.

At the beginning of the war, female pilots were not permitted to fly military aircraft, but the scenario changed in 1940. Ellis aka Wilkins, became a part of ATA in 1941, after hearing an announcement for requirement of female pilots on the radio. Later she started at Central Flying School, training on Tiger Moth, Hart and Hind biplanes.

Mary Ellis was one of the 168 “Attagirls” who was given the responsibility of delivering warplanes from factories to military bases during World War 2. It was a tough and risky mission as the female flyers had to not only fly alone, but also to locate the camouflaged bases sans compass or radio

Ellis was one of the last six women pilots still flying for the aircraft by the end of 1945. This team of six female pilots was popularly known as “Attagirls”. Ellis had described the Spitfire as “a symbol of freedom”.

Earlier this year, Ellis received the honour of the Freedom of the Isle of Wight. Council leader Dave Stewart described the brave lady as a “national, international and island heroine”.

Condolences pour in

Paying heartfelt tributes to Ellis, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, the head of RAF, tweeted: “Another terrible loss. Mary Ellis, pioneering female aviator, Air Transport Auxiliary veteran, an inspiration to generations. I’ll always remember her proudly reminding us at RAF100 events that she was older than the RAF itself! RIP Mary.”

Author and Former RAF navigator, John Nicole expressed, “Very sad to hear that WW2 ATA pilot Mary Ellis has died aged 101. A truly remarkable lady, she flew 400 Spitfires & 76 different types of aircraft during WW2. Another giant leaves us to join her heroic friends in Blue Skies. Rest in peace Mary; you truly deserve it. Thank you.”

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“More awful news. RIP Mary Ellis. A legend of the Air Transport Auxiliary. Over 1000 aircraft; 76 different types and over 400 Spitfires alone. I hope you’re enjoying a well-earned sherry up there with Joy Lofthouse again. Blue skies Ma’am #LestWeForget”, tweeted Mike Ling MBE, Red Arrows Pilot.

Last year, the trailblazing Attagirl, Joy Lofthouse, lost her life at the age of 94.

Picture Credit: Daily Mail

Megha Thadani is an Intern with Shethepeople.tv