Air Transport Auxillary Ferry Pilots 1940

[Centaurus]

This may not be the right forum but here goes anyway. Have just read a marvellous book published in 1957 called "Woman Pilot" by Jackie Moggridge (South African born). She held a private licence before the war and joined the WRAF's in 1939 as a radar operator. She then transferred to the Ferry Service and flew Hudsons, Mossies, Typhoons, Spitfires,Lancasters and you name it. After the war she ferried Spitfires from Israel to Burma.

Best book I have read for years and very witty too. My guess is she would be about 82 if she is still around. She and her husband Reg Moggridge lived two miles from Taunton circa 1945.

Anyone heard if she is still alive and whereabouts?

[This message has been edited by Centaurus (edited 02 June 2001).]

[JPJ]

Some time ago I read a book on this subject by a pilot called Lettice Curtis (I think). The ATA was based at White Waltham, and after an initial reluctance to let the girlies fly grown up machines the ATA were soon delivering all of the RAF's kit. Lancasters had to be flown with the gear down, for example, because the pilot could not reach the controls from the seat.

I was impressed. especially when she wrote about the American twins which were diverted from the to the RAF. The throttles worked back to front!

[Red Spitfire Driver]

Lettice Curtis wrote the book The Forgotten Pilots - the Air Transport Auxillary 1939-1945.
She lives close to me and has kindly signed my copy of her book - saw her in the supermarket last week. Next time I see her I will ask her if she has contact with any of her fellow pilots, and let you know.

[Code Blue]

In Oct 2000 the Ferry Pilots Assn held their 60 year reunion in Gander.

An amazing bunch of unassuming folk and an honour to meet them.

If I could be half that good...

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