The woman who flew 400 Spitfires during WW2

Bomber Command’s contribution to the war effort in 1940 and the story of a woman who flew 400 Spitfires during the second world war will be amongst the subjects covered in this spring’s series of talks at the Battle of Britain Memorial.

Over the past few years the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust has earned a great reputation for its twice-yearly series of talks in The Wing, the visitor centre at the Memorial site at Capel-le-Ferne, just outside Folkestone.

This spring’s talks begin on Sunday 10 February, when teacher, historian and author Paul Tweddle will give a talk on The Other Battle of Britain.

Trustee Andy Simpson, who organises the events, explained:  “While the heroic exploits of ‘the Few’ of Fighter Command are rightly praised, those of ‘the Many’ in Bomber Command often remain overlooked.

“Night after night, the bomber crews ranged across Europe seeking out and attacking targets in an all-out campaign to undermine the German war effort against Britain and prevent invasion.

“This presentation will outline the development of this strategy, its success and failures and the role played by ‘the Many’ in the defence of Great Britain in the summer of 1940.”

The following week, 17 February, Melody Foreman will tell the fascinating story of Air Transport Auxiliary First Officer Mary Wilkins Ellis in a talk entitled The Life And Times Of A Spitfire Girl.

Melody’s talk will be based on her autobiography of Mary Ellis, a farmer’s daughter from Oxfordshire who joined the ATA in 1941 and went on to fly 76 different types of military aircraft, including Wellington Bombers and Mosquitoes, before the war came to an end. Her impressive tally included 400 Spitfires.

The third talk in the series takes place on Sunday 24 March, when Judy Williams, a daughter of Wing Commander Ronald Kellet, will talk on his time as Squadron Commander of 303 (Polish) Squadron and other postings during World War Two.

All the talks take place at 2.30pm and booking is recommended as capacity is strictly limited. Tickets cost £10 but are free or reduced for members of the Trust’s ‘friends’ organisation Friends of the Few, which can be joined on the day. Tickets can be booked by ringing 01303 249292 or emailing [email protected]

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