Gwen Alston facts for kids

Gwen Alston (born Hannah Gwendolen Shone, 1907–1993) was a super smart British scientist. She was an aerodynamicist, which means she studied how air moves around things, especially airplanes. Gwen was also a dedicated teacher. She is famous for her work on "spinning tunnels" and testing aircraft during World War II. She also helped a lot with teaching people about flying.

Early Life and Education

Gwen Alston was born on May 22, 1907, in Birkenhead, England. She went to Wallasey High School and Penrhos College. She studied mathematics at the University of Liverpool. In 1927, she earned her first degree in math. The next year, she got a diploma in education.

While at university, Gwen learned to fly planes. In 1929, she earned her private pilot's license. This license was from the Royal Aero Club in Liverpool. After university, she taught math for five years. She taught in Rotherham and Nottingham. At the same time, she worked on her master's degree. She studied aerodynamics at the University of Nottingham. She finished her master's degree in 1932.

Career in Aviation

Gwen Alston always cared about making aviation education better. She wanted more people to learn about flying and aircraft.

Research and Flight Testing

In 1933, Gwen joined the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE). This was a big research center at Farnborough Airport. She worked under a famous scientist named Hermann Glauert. Gwen was in charge of the "spinning tunnel" in the Aero department. A spinning tunnel is a special wind tunnel. It helps engineers study how planes behave when they spin out of control.

Gwen often flew as an observer on dangerous test flights. This was part of her research work. During World War II, she also helped with troop-carrying gliders. She worked at Manchester Airport (now Manchester International Airport). She helped solve problems when the British Army started using these gliders. Gwen even completed basic and advanced pilot training herself. She flew Miles Magister and Harvard trainer planes. She became a founder member of the RAF Technical Flight.

In 1944, Gwen investigated why Fairey Barracuda torpedo bomber planes were crashing. She flew test flights with a pilot named Eric Brown. They discovered that problems with the plane's flaps and rudder were causing the crashes. Eric Brown later praised Gwen's bravery. He said she was a "remarkable 'lady boffin'" (a smart scientist). He noted her courage, even after her own husband died in a similar test flight.

Gwen was also a founding member of the Aerospace Education and Recreation Organisation. In 1956, she became an associate of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Inspector of Schools

In 1946, Gwen Alston became an H. M. Inspector of Schools for the Ministry of Education. Her job included advising on aviation matters. She inspected training for the aviation industry. She also looked at sport flying and air education in schools and colleges.

In 1956, she gave a speech to the Women's Engineering Society. It was called Technological Training and Employment of Women. In her speech, she talked about the challenges girls faced. These challenges stopped them from pursuing careers in science or technology.

Gwen Alston retired from her job in 1973.

Personal Life

Gwen Alston loved flying. She got her pilot's license in 1929. She also completed basic and advanced RAF pilot training.

In 1933, while working at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Gwen met Peter Alston. He was also a scientist there. They got married. Sadly, Peter died on February 16, 1939. He was testing a military aircraft near Eyke, England, when the accident happened.

To honor Peter Alston, the Royal Aeronautical Society created a special award. It is called the RP Alston Medal. This medal is given for achievements in flight testing aircraft. It was first awarded in 1949.

Awards and Honours

• In 1969, Gwen Alston received the Scott-Farnie Medal. She was the very first person to get this award. It was for her amazing work in aviation education.
• In 1970, Gwen became an Honorary Companion of the Royal Aeronautical Society.