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Bomber Girls
Their finest hour…
In 1939, with Britain fighting for its life against Nazi Germany, the Air Transport Auxiliary was formed to back up the Royal Air Force. All of its pilots were men.
But by 1940, after Fighter Command lost hundreds of pilots during the Battle of Britain, Winston Churchill realised the recruitment pool needed to be widened.
In stepped ATA Senior Commander Pauline Gower, who had been a famous flier before the war. When Gower and ATA founder Gerard ‘Pop’ d’Erlanger discussed the idea of women flying in the ATA she answered the question ‘why women?’ with ‘why not?’ These women pilots were to become the ‘Bomber Girls’.
By the end of the War, 166 extraordinarily brave young women learned to laugh off morale-crushing socio-political taboos in a bid to help Britain in its hour of need. Among them was the world famous aviatrix and socialite Amy Johnson who, in 1930 had made a pioneering solo flight, from Britain to Australia. But most were ordinary girls, who nonetheless counted themselves the equal of any man, and were willing to face death to defeat the enemy.
Unlike the male pilots they had none of the firepower to defend themselves against enemy attack; neither had they been taught any specific manoeuvres that might save their lives if they were shot at. Their orders from the commanders at the ATA ferry pools were simple and straightforward: stay on course, try not to fly above 800 feet in bad weather, and don’t try anything fancy.
But their fight was not just against the Nazis. It was also against the male establishment of the Armed Forces.
Thanks to the political guile of Miss Gower they were the first collective of women to earn the same salary as their male colleagues doing the same job. Even so, it was only in 2008 that women of the ATA were rewarded with medals for their outstanding work and heroism during the war years.
‘Bomber Girls’ is the inspiring account of the achievements of those 166 women during the Second World War, not only in defending their country, but in breaking new ground for women’s rights. Based on exclusive interviews with the veterans of those harrowing years, it is a brilliantly told story of the War’s heroines.
M J Foreman is a journalist, writer and editor with a varied experience in newspapers, broadcasting, and communications. Her books include ‘So You Think You Know Canterbury?’ and ‘Kent Revisited’.
Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent publisher of digital books.
In 1939, with Britain fighting for its life against Nazi Germany, the Air Transport Auxiliary was formed to back up the Royal Air Force. All of its pilots were men.
But by 1940, after Fighter Command lost hundreds of pilots during the Battle of Britain, Winston Churchill realised the recruitment pool needed to be widened.
In stepped ATA Senior Commander Pauline Gower, who had been a famous flier before the war. When Gower and ATA founder Gerard ‘Pop’ d’Erlanger discussed the idea of women flying in the ATA she answered the question ‘why women?’ with ‘why not?’ These women pilots were to become the ‘Bomber Girls’.
By the end of the War, 166 extraordinarily brave young women learned to laugh off morale-crushing socio-political taboos in a bid to help Britain in its hour of need. Among them was the world famous aviatrix and socialite Amy Johnson who, in 1930 had made a pioneering solo flight, from Britain to Australia. But most were ordinary girls, who nonetheless counted themselves the equal of any man, and were willing to face death to defeat the enemy.
Unlike the male pilots they had none of the firepower to defend themselves against enemy attack; neither had they been taught any specific manoeuvres that might save their lives if they were shot at. Their orders from the commanders at the ATA ferry pools were simple and straightforward: stay on course, try not to fly above 800 feet in bad weather, and don’t try anything fancy.
But their fight was not just against the Nazis. It was also against the male establishment of the Armed Forces.
Thanks to the political guile of Miss Gower they were the first collective of women to earn the same salary as their male colleagues doing the same job. Even so, it was only in 2008 that women of the ATA were rewarded with medals for their outstanding work and heroism during the war years.
‘Bomber Girls’ is the inspiring account of the achievements of those 166 women during the Second World War, not only in defending their country, but in breaking new ground for women’s rights. Based on exclusive interviews with the veterans of those harrowing years, it is a brilliantly told story of the War’s heroines.
M J Foreman is a journalist, writer and editor with a varied experience in newspapers, broadcasting, and communications. Her books include ‘So You Think You Know Canterbury?’ and ‘Kent Revisited’.
Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent publisher of digital books.
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 12, 2020
Bomber Girls is somewhat a misnomer, these 166 awesome aviatrixes flew everything from Tiger Moths to Spitfires and Hurricanes to Lancasters, Stirlings and Flying Fortresses. And they are truly incredible. This book introduces you to several and some great flying tales. A 4 Star collection of great flyers and stories but of course I’m biased.
I did not know that the first female bomber girl and fighter pilot was a Turk and the Istanbul airport is named for her. What a great story:
https://www.notablebiographies.com/su...
The women were flying warplanes in an active combat zone. The women never had ammo in the guns of the fighters they ferried and did not have any weapons or gunners when they were transferring bombers---unless they were delivering planes to the Polish Squadron!
Somethings are just not comprehensible to me. The women pilots ferried without radios? No instrument training? Crazy, I spent years flying in Europe and the weather often sucks. These girls are true patriots to put up with this crap. I do understand why they flew…I would have done the same to get in the air, regardless of the obstacles.
These women ferry pilots flew without radio. They weren’t offered any training on instruments, they were encouraged to captain their own destiny and often flew in terrible weather conditions to ensure Spitfires, Hurricanes, Wellington and Lancaster Bombers, Hudsons and Mitchell B-17s, huge Liberators and many other giants of the skies arrived on time to the RAF squadrons in need. If anything, the biggest enemy facing the ATA women was the weather. Britain is a cloudy and often foggy country and it caused the death of many a good pilot.
These women put up with some really infuriating discrimination and male chauvinism. I haven’t read a book about the WASP’s experience in the US but seems like the British military and political male can compete well in the Chauvinist Olympics. Famed American aviatrix Jackie Cochran recruits women for the ATA but she doesn’t put up with the BS foisted on the women by British doctors:
Here is a key difference between men and women pilots. Few men (none!) would have recorded his mistakes in a written document and would have made up a “war story” to cover his screwup. Lettice Curtis had no problem acknowledging her mistakes in order to learn from them:
I can totally empathize with this 17 year-old pilot facing an abrupt end to her flying:
Today women fly combat aircraft in war zones and on combat missions. As that commercial used to say: “You’ve come a long way”!
I did not know that the first female bomber girl and fighter pilot was a Turk and the Istanbul airport is named for her. What a great story:
https://www.notablebiographies.com/su...
The women were flying warplanes in an active combat zone. The women never had ammo in the guns of the fighters they ferried and did not have any weapons or gunners when they were transferring bombers---unless they were delivering planes to the Polish Squadron!
Somethings are just not comprehensible to me. The women pilots ferried without radios? No instrument training? Crazy, I spent years flying in Europe and the weather often sucks. These girls are true patriots to put up with this crap. I do understand why they flew…I would have done the same to get in the air, regardless of the obstacles.
These women ferry pilots flew without radio. They weren’t offered any training on instruments, they were encouraged to captain their own destiny and often flew in terrible weather conditions to ensure Spitfires, Hurricanes, Wellington and Lancaster Bombers, Hudsons and Mitchell B-17s, huge Liberators and many other giants of the skies arrived on time to the RAF squadrons in need. If anything, the biggest enemy facing the ATA women was the weather. Britain is a cloudy and often foggy country and it caused the death of many a good pilot.
These women put up with some really infuriating discrimination and male chauvinism. I haven’t read a book about the WASP’s experience in the US but seems like the British military and political male can compete well in the Chauvinist Olympics. Famed American aviatrix Jackie Cochran recruits women for the ATA but she doesn’t put up with the BS foisted on the women by British doctors:
Here is a key difference between men and women pilots. Few men (none!) would have recorded his mistakes in a written document and would have made up a “war story” to cover his screwup. Lettice Curtis had no problem acknowledging her mistakes in order to learn from them:
I can totally empathize with this 17 year-old pilot facing an abrupt end to her flying:
Today women fly combat aircraft in war zones and on combat missions. As that commercial used to say: “You’ve come a long way”!
October 22, 2014
In 1939 the Air Transport Auxiliary Service was formed – nicked rather unkindly, “Ancient and Tired Airmen,” due to the amount of pilots who had flown in WWI. Their job was to ferry aircraft from factories to airfields for use in battle, to provide important mail deliveries and news to the men stationed there and also medical and ambulance services. Within a short time of WWII starting, it became apparent that more pilots would be needed and women were recruited from 1940. At first they were often debutantes and socialites – women who had learnt to fly in the 1930’s, when it was a hobby for the wealthy, who would fly to the Continent for parties. This probably helped the glamorous label which became attached to these early recruits.
However, if the female pilots were considered glamorous, the reality was less so. They were unable to defend themselves against enemy attack, were forbidden to go into combat and, having delivered their planes to the airfield that needed them, often had long journeys home on crowded trains for had to sleep in temporary and uncomfortable quarters. Still, despite the danger, these women flew without radio, often in terrible conditions, to ensure the RAF squadrons had the planes they needed. In 2008 they were finally recognised for their bravery and skill and given special medals. However, the job they did was hampered at the time by good, old fashioned, sexism and scepticism that they would be able to fulfil their role.
This is a good read and an interesting introduction to these unsung heroines. Many have written their own memoirs, or had books written about them, so there are lots of titles mentioned which you may wish to explore and read further. I find the role of women in WWII a fascinating one – from Jambusters to Bomber Girls, they did everything necessary to help the war effort, often without the support of their own male colleagues. An inspiring read.
However, if the female pilots were considered glamorous, the reality was less so. They were unable to defend themselves against enemy attack, were forbidden to go into combat and, having delivered their planes to the airfield that needed them, often had long journeys home on crowded trains for had to sleep in temporary and uncomfortable quarters. Still, despite the danger, these women flew without radio, often in terrible conditions, to ensure the RAF squadrons had the planes they needed. In 2008 they were finally recognised for their bravery and skill and given special medals. However, the job they did was hampered at the time by good, old fashioned, sexism and scepticism that they would be able to fulfil their role.
This is a good read and an interesting introduction to these unsung heroines. Many have written their own memoirs, or had books written about them, so there are lots of titles mentioned which you may wish to explore and read further. I find the role of women in WWII a fascinating one – from Jambusters to Bomber Girls, they did everything necessary to help the war effort, often without the support of their own male colleagues. An inspiring read.
April 11, 2017
This is a short quick read about the women of the British Air Transport Auxiliary, a group formed to back up the Royal Air Force. During World War II, women took to the air as transport pilots for British bombers. They had no fire power, just simple orders to move planes from A to B. Many though, found themselves in combat or dealing with mechanical failure. These are remarkable women whose stories should be told.
This was an interesting read but a bit dry at times. There were some engaging stories but a lot of "just the facts" bits, which likely was needed being a short Kindle Single selection. This book could easily be expanded and developed much like Hidden Figures: The Untold True Story of Four African-American Women Who Helped Launch Our Nation into Space by Margot Lee Shetterly. Worth the read if you are interested in learning more about the women of ATA.
This was an interesting read but a bit dry at times. There were some engaging stories but a lot of "just the facts" bits, which likely was needed being a short Kindle Single selection. This book could easily be expanded and developed much like Hidden Figures: The Untold True Story of Four African-American Women Who Helped Launch Our Nation into Space by Margot Lee Shetterly. Worth the read if you are interested in learning more about the women of ATA.
May 26, 2017
This is an interesting look at female pilots during WW2 and the discrimination and other hurdles they faced. The author focuses on the British ATA (these sections will be especially interesting to fans of Elizabeth Wein's fantastic Code Name Verity novels) but also takes a brief look at the Russian Night Witches, the American WASPS and the achievements of female pilots from the post-War until the current day. It's a bit dry and info-dumpy at times (especially towards the end...it almost seems as the author had more facts than could be worked into the book so they were just dumped in), but still a fascinating book worth your time.
March 20, 2021
This spiffing little ebook, currently free on Kindle, is a short introduction to the achievements and struggles of the female pilots of the RAF’s Air Transport Auxiliary during WWII.
Faced with obdurate discrimination but also with professional encouragement and admiration from their male colleagues, these extraordinary women coped with flying aircraft not designed for their physiques, with restricted training that did not include flying on instruments despite having to fly in all weathers, with not being permitted radios even when desperately needed, and with the successful breaking of social norms and taboos which meant they were some of the first women to receive equal pay for equal work compared to their male colleagues. As is often the case, they had to prove they were better than their male colleagues to be acknowledged. But acknowledged they were, by the more enlightened male crew around them.
Some of the anecdotes related here are tragic, some are thrilling, and some are hilarious. Many of these women were well-connected wealthy socialites who needed to maintain their glamour (even if it meant spilling face powder all over the instruments) whilst others climbed from humble backgrounds to high positions in the RAF through talent and pure grit. Through it all, these are human stories about people doing extraordinary things in extraordinary circumstances whilst being true to themselves.
The book also acknowledges the equivalent service in the USA and discusses the Soviet air wing known as the Night Witches to the Nazis, as well as summarising the breakthroughs of more recent female combat pilots.
Despite being short, this is a cracking read that will reward being revisited. If ever there was a Netflix series crying out to be made, this is it. These stories need to be told and celebrated.
Faced with obdurate discrimination but also with professional encouragement and admiration from their male colleagues, these extraordinary women coped with flying aircraft not designed for their physiques, with restricted training that did not include flying on instruments despite having to fly in all weathers, with not being permitted radios even when desperately needed, and with the successful breaking of social norms and taboos which meant they were some of the first women to receive equal pay for equal work compared to their male colleagues. As is often the case, they had to prove they were better than their male colleagues to be acknowledged. But acknowledged they were, by the more enlightened male crew around them.
Some of the anecdotes related here are tragic, some are thrilling, and some are hilarious. Many of these women were well-connected wealthy socialites who needed to maintain their glamour (even if it meant spilling face powder all over the instruments) whilst others climbed from humble backgrounds to high positions in the RAF through talent and pure grit. Through it all, these are human stories about people doing extraordinary things in extraordinary circumstances whilst being true to themselves.
The book also acknowledges the equivalent service in the USA and discusses the Soviet air wing known as the Night Witches to the Nazis, as well as summarising the breakthroughs of more recent female combat pilots.
Despite being short, this is a cracking read that will reward being revisited. If ever there was a Netflix series crying out to be made, this is it. These stories need to be told and celebrated.
September 15, 2023
This is my second time to read this book. Absolutely love the timeless lessons we learn from these strong and courageous women who flew planes for the ATA in England WWII. Included in their cadre were several female American pilots as well. But perilous as their job was some of them died in their valiant cause for freedom. When men and others thought they couldn’t fly a plane as good as a guy this is the sort of response they usually gave!
“When the Wellington went to war it needed a crew of five men but it needed just one young woman pilot to deliver it to them. Wilkins recalls how one of the men clambered up into the aircraft to check she was telling the truth. She also heard how the Commanding Officer at the airfield was in the Control Tower and had watched her land. He demanded to know who had taught the ATA women how to fly such large aircraft. “I wish I’d seen his face!” said Wilkins, “but in those days we were just getting on with our job. The idea of what is now called ‘sex discrimination’ didn’t really occur to us or affect us doing our job.”
Are you a mother of girls? Looking for good role models? Look no farther. These women do more than fit that bill!
“When the Wellington went to war it needed a crew of five men but it needed just one young woman pilot to deliver it to them. Wilkins recalls how one of the men clambered up into the aircraft to check she was telling the truth. She also heard how the Commanding Officer at the airfield was in the Control Tower and had watched her land. He demanded to know who had taught the ATA women how to fly such large aircraft. “I wish I’d seen his face!” said Wilkins, “but in those days we were just getting on with our job. The idea of what is now called ‘sex discrimination’ didn’t really occur to us or affect us doing our job.”
Are you a mother of girls? Looking for good role models? Look no farther. These women do more than fit that bill!
September 7, 2017
The topic is fascinating, but the writing was bland. It will ramble on and on, and then something big happens (like a death or crash). The author just kind of glosses over it. I going to check out some of the books in the bibliography. Maybe those will be more enjoyable.
November 8, 2017
Not bad, however the writing is very disorganized and repetitive. Unfortunately the disjointed nature of the book does a disservice to the amazing story of these incredibly tough pilots. Still worth the read though, it's fairly short and easy to get through.
September 21, 2017
Great recognition of tough women in WWII
I really loved that MJ Foreman took the time to recognize and honor the women of the ATA during WWII and their struggles with misogyny in the all make RAF. The book is no nonsense, straight to the facts/story, quick and easy read. I wish there had been sub headings in the chapters (like the name of each woman being discussed) because when reading its hard to tell when you transition to talking about another aviatrix, maybe present it like a series of short stories that overlap through the characters. But overall great stories about inspiring women!!
I really loved that MJ Foreman took the time to recognize and honor the women of the ATA during WWII and their struggles with misogyny in the all make RAF. The book is no nonsense, straight to the facts/story, quick and easy read. I wish there had been sub headings in the chapters (like the name of each woman being discussed) because when reading its hard to tell when you transition to talking about another aviatrix, maybe present it like a series of short stories that overlap through the characters. But overall great stories about inspiring women!!
July 30, 2017
I had no idea women were trained as pilots during WWII. Now, in England, they weren't allowed to fly combat, just transport the newly built planes to air fields where the men would then take over. Russian women flew combat and were called "Night Witches" by the Germans, which is very cool!
This is a Kindle single so it's short but if you have an interest in WWII and women's involvement, then this is a great read!
This is a Kindle single so it's short but if you have an interest in WWII and women's involvement, then this is a great read!
April 29, 2018
A good short introduction to the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA), ferrying different planes around Britain during WWII. It addressed some of the difficulties experienced by the women. They all simply "got on with it" rather than dwelling on the bias. There was nothing glamorous about their jobs, although the newspapers and morale boosters tried to show otherwise, and many of the 166 perished trying to do their jobs. The book was a little repetitive in places, but enjoyable otherwise.
August 24, 2017
Nice essay on another forgotten piece of World War II history: the women pilots who kept British airfields supplied with every type of plane they needed to fight the war. Foreman goes into the women's personalities, backgrounds, training, and how they dealt with misogyny and the work they did. Very enlightening, and with a bibliography in case readers want to know more-- and I do.
September 22, 2017
Inspiring and informative
Finding out about all the brave women who flew all kinds of aircraft in WWII was not only inspirational but also amazing to know. I doubt most women know about these brave pilots and can only imagine the difficulties of being a woman pilot in a "man's world". Their love of flying guided their lives. Let's educate young girls about these brave women.
Finding out about all the brave women who flew all kinds of aircraft in WWII was not only inspirational but also amazing to know. I doubt most women know about these brave pilots and can only imagine the difficulties of being a woman pilot in a "man's world". Their love of flying guided their lives. Let's educate young girls about these brave women.
May 7, 2019
Needs polishing
This book consists entirely of random facts strewn together haphazardly, resulting in a boring, repetitive mess on what otherwise would be a fairly interesting topic. The author did cite numerous other books on the subject so someday I might check those out, but, for now, I need to move on to a different subject until this book fades from memory a bit.
This book consists entirely of random facts strewn together haphazardly, resulting in a boring, repetitive mess on what otherwise would be a fairly interesting topic. The author did cite numerous other books on the subject so someday I might check those out, but, for now, I need to move on to a different subject until this book fades from memory a bit.
March 21, 2017
Wonderful book
Wonderful book about women in aviation. This shows the strength and capabilities of women. Also discuss the sexism they went through that continues to this day.
Wonderful book about women in aviation. This shows the strength and capabilities of women. Also discuss the sexism they went through that continues to this day.
May 29, 2017
Interesting Subject - Far too short
I liked reading the history of these amazing women... just wish there was more. Also the timeline jumps around a bit too much.
I liked reading the history of these amazing women... just wish there was more. Also the timeline jumps around a bit too much.
August 1, 2017
Women in war
I had no idea how much of a role women played in WWII, especially outside the US. A simple informative and quick read.
I had no idea how much of a role women played in WWII, especially outside the US. A simple informative and quick read.
August 31, 2017
Such courage
It is really great to know that there were women that was willing to blaze the trail for the women of the wotld
It is really great to know that there were women that was willing to blaze the trail for the women of the wotld
September 2, 2017
Not what I expected. It read like a history book.
Interesting women, but not an engaging book.
Interesting women, but not an engaging book.
October 22, 2017
I knew nothing about this subject. I didn't know there were any women flying in WWII at all! Interesting read and a great learning experience!
December 9, 2019
Women in the Air Transport Auxiliary who flew aircraft from the factories to the air fields in World War II Britain.
June 20, 2020
Inspiring story of the women who made it happen during WWII.
August 3, 2014
It's 1938 in the Jiggles timeline, so within a few tales, she and her crew will be getting involved in the Second World War. So I thought I'd research some possible jobs for them when the war breaks out.
This Kindle Single is basically a long essay about the women flyers of the Air Transport Auxiliary, the prejudice they faced at first and some of their adventures and misadventures along the way. It could have done with some editing to tighten up the prose and I would have liked something with more depth, but it's an interesting subject nonetheless.
This Kindle Single is basically a long essay about the women flyers of the Air Transport Auxiliary, the prejudice they faced at first and some of their adventures and misadventures along the way. It could have done with some editing to tighten up the prose and I would have liked something with more depth, but it's an interesting subject nonetheless.
April 3, 2015
This slim volume gives a nice introduction to the ATA and the role female pilots played during tge second world war. It has the air of being well researched and deals with a wide range of tge issues surrounding the topic particularly the way in which patriachal views on the roles of women not only effected these women, but also of course hindered the war effort. Well worth the little time it will take you to read, if you can get past the slight annoiance of the many typos which appear to stem from poor proofreading.
January 23, 2015
A short but interesting read about the women, although some were really just girls, who were part of the RAF's Air Transport Authority. In a time when women were relegated to specific jobs, these women were able to shatter some barriers as they ferried planes, including bombers from one location to another in great Britain.
June 23, 2015
Women are pilots too...
This book offers a look at the life of the women in the ATA. Fairing Aircraft for the British Air Force around England in time of WWII. It also lead to the advancement of women in the Modern Air Force to fly Fighter Jets.
As the same with the WASPS of the Untied States...
This book offers a look at the life of the women in the ATA. Fairing Aircraft for the British Air Force around England in time of WWII. It also lead to the advancement of women in the Modern Air Force to fly Fighter Jets.
As the same with the WASPS of the Untied States...
May 24, 2017
Bomber Girls was an ok historical read. It repeated information several times, enough to be annoying. Good look at the women who flew during WWII. I give it two stars, not as good as I had hoped, a short read.
December 16, 2016
Interesting read
Great read into the history of women during the war, very inspirational worth a read if your interested in what women got up to during an after the war, my heart goes out to them.
Great read into the history of women during the war, very inspirational worth a read if your interested in what women got up to during an after the war, my heart goes out to them.
April 6, 2021
A great read, very informative. These young women were so brave. Not only did they have to face the uncertainty of coming up against enemy aircraft while unarmed they also had to face the sexist bigotry within their own country. These ladies deserved to be treated far better than they were
August 16, 2016
Interesting read, gave me an insight to women in the war effort and quite informative.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews