The first of two programmes. The exploits of RAF pilots in the Second World War are widely known and well documented: But what has not been recognised is the achievement of a civilian organisation on which the men who fought the war in the air had to depend. David Lomax tells the story of the women who flew for the Air
Transport Auxiliary. Their job was to ferry the fighters and bombers from the factories to the RAF. It was a difficult and dangerous task, and many lives were lost.
Today the programme shows how the Air Transport
Auxiliary was formed, how the women had to overcome the prejudice of the military authorities, and how success was tinged with sorrow at the death of Amy Johnson , the first to be killed. Producer JOHN COLEMAN
Series editor DAVID SEYMOUR (R) (Part 2 next week)