Constance Leathart facts for kids

Constance Ruth Leathart (born December 7, 1903 – died November 4, 1993) was a pioneering British pilot. She was one of the first women to fly planes for the Royal Air Force during World War Two. She worked with a special group called the Air Transport Auxiliary, delivering aircraft where they were needed.

Early Life and Flying Adventures

Constance Leathart grew up in a wealthy family. She started learning to fly in 1925 at the Newcastle Aero Club. When she applied, she wrote her name as "C. R. Leathart." The club accepted her before they realized she was a girl!

In 1927, Constance earned her flying license. This made her the first British female pilot outside of London. She was also one of the first 20 women in all of Britain to become a pilot.

Constance loved flying so much that she started an aircraft repair business. It was called Cramlington Aircraft. She also took part in exciting air races. She was one of the first women to fly a plane over the huge Alps mountains. Plus, she was the first person in Great Britain to design and fly her own glider. A glider is an aircraft that flies without an engine.

Flying for the War Effort

When World War Two began, Constance was working at Bristol Airport. She quickly volunteered to join the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA). This was a special group of pilots, including many women, who delivered planes. They flew aircraft from the factories where they were built to the airfields where they were needed for the war.

Constance's cousin, John "Jack" Armour, helped teach her how to fly military planes. She became a Flight Captain in the ATA. This meant she flew many different types of aircraft. She piloted large, heavy bombers as well as fast fighter planes to airfields in many different countries.

Later Life and Legacy

After the war ended, Constance continued to help others. She became a special representative for the United Nations on a Greek island called Icaria. She even received an award for her work helping children.

In 1958, Constance sadly stopped flying. She then moved to a farm in Little Bavington, Northumberland. There, she spent her time caring for rescued donkeys.

Constance Leathart is buried at Thockrington church. She had asked for her grave not to have a marker. However, her friends placed a special stone there. It was the same stone she used every day to step into her unheated swimming pool, no matter the weather!

Today, you can find a collection of her papers and photo albums at the Northumberland Archives. These records show her amazing aviation adventures from the 1920s to the 1940s.