Amy Johnson 1930. Source wikimedia commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Amy_Johnson_(Our_Generation,_1938).jpg
On 5 January 1941 Amy Johnson died when she was ferrying an Airspeed Oxford from Blackpool. It was believed the aircraft had run out of fuel and she ditched into the sea off Herne Bay. Attempts were made to save her but, alas, those going to her rescue failed to reach her in time.
Such is the enduring enigma that is Amy and the power she still has to inspire interest in the pioneering years of British aviation, an ambitious ‘Saving Amy Project’ was launched during the 2020’s pandemic lock-downs. An enthusiastic band of men formed together to work on the restoration of Airspeed Oxford Mk.V EB518 at Hangar 42, Blackpool Airport.
Airspeed Oxford aircraft at Portsmouth Airport 1930s
The Airspeed company was based at Portsmouth Airport. One of the first shareholders and designers at Airspeed was Nevil Shute Norway, a friend of Amy. At one time Amy was also an Airspeed shareholder. In 1939 she was working Portsmouth, Southsea and Isle of Wight Aviation as a commercial pilot. The next door neighbour on the airfield was Airspeed.
So there is local interest in the Solent area in seeing the ‘Saving Amy’ restoration project reach completion.
Click on this link to follow the progress being made at Hangar 42.
As a new year begins, a round up of last year’s news from the last quarter follows below:
Spartan ZK-ARH (New Zealand registration). Previously registered in the UK as G-ABYN.
The ‘Spartan Home to UK’ project has secured most of the purchase money. Fundraising for the remaining amount will start later this month. It will be coming home! Stay signed up to Solent Aviatrix for updates on progress on this Spartan project.
Follow this link to learn more about Spartan G-ABYN.
Wight Aviation Museum New Exhibit 2023
There is something mysterious hidden under large tarpaulin wraps at Wight Aviation Museum? What could it be? All will be revealed in the spring, at the Easter re-opening of WAM, when a new acquisition will be unveiled.
The saddest news of the year was the tragic loss of Carolyn Grace, Britain’s only practising female Spitfire pilot of recent years. Carolyn died, while on a family holiday in Australia, in a car accident near Sydney.
Jackie Moggridge in ATA uniform with Carolyn Grace and Spitfire
Some years ago she took up wartime Spitfire Girl Jackie Moggridge in the Grace Spitfire. Thanks are due to Jackie’s daughter, Candy Adkins, for sharing these photos of Carolyn and Jackie with the Spitfire. Rest in peace Carolyn.
Jackie Moggridge with Carolyn Grace on Spitfire
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