Enid Gordon-Gallien facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Enid Gordon-Gallien
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| Born |
Enid Myra Merlyn Atkyns
9 Nov 1885 Melbourne, Australia
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| Died | 18 June 1931 Hatfield, Hertfordshire
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| Nationality | British |
Enid Gordon-Gallien (born November 9, 1885 – died June 18, 1931) was a brave British adventurer and pilot. She was known for her exciting travels and explorations. In 1930, she received the Back Award for her amazing journey in Tanganyika, which is now part of Tanzania.
Early Life and Adventures
Enid Gordon-Gallien loved to travel and explore new places. She journeyed all over the world with her husband, Captain Gordon Gallien. He was an engineer, and his work took them to many different countries.
During World War I, Enid helped out in both France and Egypt. She was a very active and helpful person.
Becoming an Explorer
Enid became a member of the Royal Geographical Society. This is a famous group that supports explorers and helps people learn about geography. She studied with experts there in 1925 and 1928. She learned important skills like field astronomy and surveying. These skills helped her plan her own expeditions.
The president of the society, Colonel Sir Charles Close, suggested a big challenge. He asked her to explore the Kalambo Falls, which was a place that had not been properly mapped yet.
Before this, Enid had already had many adventures. She once drove her car all the way across the desert to Baghdad. Another time, she was shipwrecked on the Barrier Reef while traveling to meet her husband in Borneo.
The Tanganyika Expedition
Enid Gordon-Gallien started her big expedition in Dar-es-Salaam on June 15, 1928. She was not alone on this journey. Her team included J. W. Cornwall, who was a surveyor, and Colin Rose, a geologist.
Together, they explored and mapped new areas. Their hard work and discoveries were shared with the Royal Geographical Society in 1929. Because of her important work on this expedition, Enid was given the special Back Award in 1930.
Becoming a Pilot
Enid Gordon-Gallien also had a passion for flying. In August 1930, she earned her aviator's certificate. This meant she was officially a pilot! She learned to fly at Hanworth Aerodrome.
Sadly, her life of adventure ended too soon. On June 18, 1931, she was a passenger in a plane crash. She was flying with her friend, Sicele O'Brien, who was also a well-known pilot and co-owner of the plane.
