logo
Amy Johnson's historic Australia flight to be celebrated on 95th anniversary

Amy Johnson's historic Australia flight to be celebrated on 95th anniversary

A flypast of a biplane similar to the one used by Miss Johnson is planned for Sunday.
Croydon airport is now a museum (Alamy/PA)
Throughout this weekend, the airport will host guided tours of the control tower and an Amy Johnson exhibition, while discussions and workshops will take place at the adjacent Croydon Aerodrome Hotel.
Miss Johnson had only 100 hours of flying experience when she took off from Croydon in her second-hand Gipsy Moth plane, named Jason.
The 27-year-old had no radio link to the ground, no reliable weather information and only basic maps to guide her over uncharted land and some of the world's most inhospitable terrain.
She braved sandstorms, forced landings and the amorous attentions of Arab sheikhs to reach Darwin in northern Australia 19 days later.
On her return to Croydon, she was greeted by an estimated 200,000 people who lined the route to the airport.
Micha Nestor, visitor centre manager at Croydon airport – which is now a museum – told the PA news agency: 'What we want to do is inspire future aviation enthusiasts, and also highlight women in aviation
'Amy was one of the major celebrities of the 1930s.
'We really want to amplify her story, because Amy was a big deal.'
She added: 'There's one term that she used to use, and that's air mindedness.
'At almost each stop (to Australia) she had to deal with a different problem, and use all those different skills she'd gathered, whether it's engineering, maths, all different bits and pieces, to figure it out.
'That's what we want to promote: thinking on the ball.'
Amy Johnson preparing to set off for Australia (LNA/PA)
Papers released by The National Archives in 2005 revealed that a senior UK diplomat wrote before the flight that there should be restrictions on Miss Johnson's plans given her 'sex, youth and comparative inexperience'.
She was an 'adventuress' who needed protecting from herself, the official communique suggested.
Miss Johnson died aged 37 when a plane she was flying crashed into the sea off Herne Bay, Kent in January 1941.
At the time, she was serving as a pilot with the Air Transport Auxiliary, which delivered aircraft for the RAF.
Her body was never found.
Croydon airport opened in 1920, featuring the world's first air traffic control tower.
Mike Thorn, a trustee of Historic Croydon Airport Trust, described it as the UK's 'first major international airport' and 'the equivalent of Heathrow before the Second World War'.
He said: 'We get people travelling long distances to visit. He recently had some people from Hong Kong.'
The airport was closed in 1959 and converted into a museum in 2000.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Ayrshire war hero awarded Provost's Medal at 107 years old
Ayrshire war hero awarded Provost's Medal at 107 years old

Daily Record

time12 hours ago

  • Daily Record

Ayrshire war hero awarded Provost's Medal at 107 years old

Harry Richardson, a bomber pilot during the Second World War, was presented with the Provost's Medal by Iain Campbell, Provost of South Ayrshire. An Ayrshire war hero has been presented with the Provost's Medal at the age of 107 - some 80 years after taking to the skies during the Second World War. ‌ Harry Richardson was a bomber pilot during the war and earned a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for his bravery and his airmanship during his service. ‌ Provost Iain Campbell presented the medal to Harry in a ceremony in County Buildings, Ayr. ‌ The Provost's Medal recognises national or international achievement at the highest level for people who were born in or are residents of South Ayrshire. In the last 13 years, the medal has only been awarded on one other occasion. Local hero Harry, who was a bomber pilot during World War 2 serving from 1939 to 1947, celebrated his 107th birthday in Prestwick in February. ‌ During his RAF career, Harry was posted to 149 Squadron. Upon completion of this tour, he transferred to training bomber pilots. Harry then moved to India and the Far East with 159 Squadron. At the end of the war, he assisted with the repatriation of Prisoners of War. ‌ Harry then joined the National Air Traffic Service as an Air Traffic Controller, where he successfully climbed through the ranks, assisting in the planning of the Air Traffic Service over the Atlantic. Earlier this year, he was honoured during the 80th anniversary of VE Day and was present at the VE Day 80 concert at Horse Guards Parade in London, sitting next to King Charles III and Queen Camilla. ‌ In addition to the Provost's Medal, Harry was also given the Lord Lieutenant Award. This award was presented to him by Lord Lieutenant Iona McDonald. The civic ceremony was attended by Harry Richardson DFC and his family, alongside Alex Lobban, Chair of the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) Club Ayr & Prestwick Branch; and Sqn Ldr James Martin 602 (City of Glasgow) Sqn RAuxAF. Speaking humbly after the presentation, Harry said: 'Thank you very much for this award which I shall treasure for the rest of my life.' ‌ Provost Campbell said: 'The Provost's Medal is a significant and rare honour, reserved for only the greatest of achievements. I'm delighted to be able to bestow this honour upon Harry Richardson. 'Harry's dedication to his country is already well-known. The Distinguished Flying Cross is just one of the accolades he has achieved for his admirable bravery during his service. 'It was my absolute pleasure to welcome Harry, his loved ones and esteemed guests to County Buildings to recognise his outstanding achievements.' ‌ Lord Lieutenant Iona McDonald said: 'Harry is a remarkable man who along with many others served with distinction during the Second World War. I was delighted to present him with a Lord Lieutenant's certificate marking his contribution to the RAF and aviation.' Alex Lobban, Chair of the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) Club Ayr & Prestwick Branch, said: 'On behalf of Ayr & Prestwick Branch Royal Air Forces Association it was an honour and privilege to be present at the Award Ceremony for our member Harry Richardson DFC. Our appreciation goes to the Lord Lieutenant and Provost for their support of Harry.' Sqn Ldr James Martin 602 (City of Glasgow) Sqn RAuxAF said: 'It was a privilege to attend today's Civic Reception in Ayrshire, on behalf of Air Officer Scotland, in recognition of the extraordinary RAF service of Harry Richardson DFC. Our sincerest congratulations to Harry, on the receipt of the prestigious Award of the Provost Medal and Lord Lieutenant certificate, so richly deserved.'

Where the souk meets the soi
Where the souk meets the soi

Time Out

time3 days ago

  • Time Out

Where the souk meets the soi

While plenty of people have at least a working knowledge of takeout-style Indian food, Pakistani food has nowhere near the international profile, which is a shame. Heartier and meatier, with more obvious influence from the Arab world, Pakistani food is just waiting to be discovered, and Ibrahim provides a starting point. Mutton and fish dishes generate some of the most buzz online, but our heart belongs to chicken karahi – named for the wok-like dish it's cooked in, it hails from the Afghan border regions, and goes heavy on the ginger. We also love the haleem (shredded meat blended with bulgur into a rich, creamy porridge), which is almost like a South Asian take on congee, warm and comforting.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store