Jackie Moggridge: The trailblazing pilot who helped deliver victory

Join us for a fascinating talk by Candy Adkins about her mother, the pioneering pilot Jackie Moggridge.

Committed to challenging the male-dominated world of aviation, Jackie was passionate about flying and began her career training to fly commercial planes at Witney Aeronautical College, based at the former Witney aerodrome, in 1938 – she was the only female trainee.

While training Jackie lived in Witney and always recounted fond memories of her time here. There is a road on the Windrush Place housing estate named in her honour and memory.

During World War II she was forced out of the cockpit and joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force as a radar operator. Despite being denied the chance to be in active service, Jackie played a vital role in delivering planes from A to B for the Air Transport Auxiliary – she flew 83 types of warplane from fighters to four-engine bombers.

Jackie’s contributions weren’t overlooked – she received the King’s Commendation for Valuable Services in the Air and was one of the first women to earn their full RAF wings in 1953. Over her lifetime, Jackie flew more than 1,500 aircraft – a third of which were Spitfires. She even made a supersonic statement of her own by becoming the first woman to break the sound barrier in an F-86 Sabre, and later became the first female commercial airline captain.

Jackie recounted her thrilling life story in her autobiography Spitfire Girl.

To book your free spot please email admin@witneymuseum.org.uk or call 01993 775915. Spaces are limited, so book today!