Introduction

Using interviews, archive footage and reconstruction, this documentary looks at the Air Transport Auxiliary, a band of female pilots who aided the war effort in World War II.

Outline

This is the incredible true story of a wartime sisterhood of women pilots: a group of courageous pioneers who took exceptional risks to fly Spitfires, Hurricanes and Lancasters to the frontlines of World War II.

The women pilots of Air Transport Auxiliary came from all countries and backgrounds. Although not allowed into combat, they demonstrated astonishing bravery in their supporting role: flying unarmed, without radios or instruments, and at the mercy of the weather and enemy aircraft, they delivered battle-ready planes to their male counterparts, the fighter pilots of the RAF.

The story of these remarkable women pilots – among them Amy Johnson and Lettice Curtis – is a riveting account of women in wartime, and a fitting tribute to their spirit and valour.

Book

Written by Giles Whittell, Spitfire Women of World War II was published in July 2008.

Production & Filming Details

• Narrator(s): Tracy Ann Oberman.
• Director(s): Harvey Lilley.
• Producer(s): Anna Dawson, Cassian Harrison, Naomi Harvey, Harvey Lilley, and Kieran Smith.
• Editor(s): Pip Heywood.
• Production: Love Productions.
• Distributor(s): BBC (2010) and NHK BS1 (Japan, 2013).
• Release Date: 08 September 2010.
• Running Time: 60 minutes.
• Country: UK.
• Language: English.