Jessie Fawsitt. Civil Air Guard No.1 of U.K.
Alice Jessie Fawsitt was an aviation pioneer in a quiet, unassuming way. She became Britain’s first Civil Air Guard in 1938. This was not planned by Jessie, more a case of serendipity, being in the right place at the right time.
The right place – was Portsmouth Aerodrome, which just happened to be where Jessie was working for the now legendary Nevil Shute Norway at Airspeed Aviation. In itself, that was a lucky break for any young woman in her secretarial career.
The right time – was being first in the queue of Portsmouth Aero Club members to sign up for the C.A.G. scheme.
The third element of luck in Jessie’s registration as C.A.G. No 1, was that Sir Charles Rose of Portsmouth Aero Club managed to register his keen members for the national scheme, long before all other flying clubs in the country did.
Of course, somebody had to be the first Civil Air Guard member in the United Kingdom, but Jessie was completely bemused as to why the honour should fall to her.
She was a little uncomfortable with the publicity and with meeting the V.I.P.s who descended on the airfield to congratulate the Portsmouth C.A.G.s.
Jessie’s life story spans across the world to Australia.
Jessie Fawsitt with Mr. R. Dismore, B.O.A.C. Comet Engineering Manager
She circumnavigated the globe in her peace-time career with British Overseas Airways Corporation as Public Relations Manager, another ‘First’ for a woman.
This hard working lady left behind fascinating diaries of a bygone age, when she passed away.
A committed church goer, she is no doubt wearing wings of a different kind now.
From humble beginnings to flying the world, Miss Fawsitt made her mark on aviation history. A daughter of Portsmouth, she deserves recognition for her unique achievements.
In her own words Jessie says, “I owe a great deal to Amy Johnson and the pioneers, who inspired me to take up flying. Pauline Gower and Dorothy Spicer – two great women pioneers of flying – arranged for young enthusiasts, of which I was one, to have Associate Membership of the exclusive FORUM club in London, and they and other famous aviators gave lectures and made it possible for us to meet them.”
Go to Jessie Fawsitt’s page to learn more about her.
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