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Mary EllisThe oldest British pilot to take part in World War II
Date of Birth: 02.02.1917
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Mary Ellis: The Last of the Spitfire Girls
- Service in the ATA
- Post-War Legacy
- Honors and Recognition
- Tributes and Remembrance
- Legacy as a Last Spitfire Girl
Mary Ellis: The Last of the Spitfire Girls
Early Life and Aviation CareerMary Ellis, the legendary World War II heroine and the last of the "Spitfire Girls," passed away at the age of 101. Born with a passion for flying, she joined the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) in 1941, becoming one of the women known as "Spitfire Girls" due to their frequent piloting of Spitfire fighter planes.
Service in the ATA
During her service in the ATA, Ellis delivered over 1,000 aircraft, including 400 Spitfires and 47 Wellington bombers, to the front lines. She recalled flying a wide range of aircraft types, navigating solely with a compass, stopwatch, and charts. Her bravery and skill earned her the respect of her peers and the admiration of the nation.
Post-War Legacy
After the war, Ellis settled on the Isle of Wight, where she managed the Sandown Airport from 1950 to 1970. She also founded the Isle of Wight Aero Club, encouraging more women to take up flying. In 1961, she married fellow pilot Don Ellis.
Honors and Recognition
In recent years, Ellis received several honors, including the honorary freedom of the Isle of Wight. She was praised for her pioneering spirit and the inspiration she provided to generations of women aviators.
Tributes and Remembrance
Upon her passing, tributes poured in from fellow pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and dignitaries. Air Chief Marshal Stephen Hillier described her as "a pioneer of women in aviation, a veteran of the ATA, and an inspiration to generations."
Legacy as a Last Spitfire Girl
Mary Ellis's death marks the end of an era. She was the last of the "Spitfire Girls," a group of extraordinary women who played a vital role in the Allied victory in World War II. Her memory will continue to inspire and her legacy will forever be etched in the history of aviation.
