Henrietta Bussell facts for kids

Henrietta (Hettie) Langdale Bussell was a very important engineer from Britain. She was born on February 19, 1917, and passed away in December 1996. Hettie made history by becoming Britain's first female railway engineer! She also led the Women's Engineering Society as its president from 1976 to 1977.

Growing Up and School

Hettie Bussell was born in London, a big city in England. When she was 12, her family moved to Newport in Wales.

In Newport, Hettie won a special scholarship. This allowed her to go to a new grammar school in Monmouthshire. At this school, she discovered she really loved maths and physics. These subjects would become very important for her future career.

Finding Her First Job

Hettie finished school in 1933. This was during a tough time called the Great Depression. It was very hard for people to find jobs back then.

In 1934, she took an exam to work for the government, called the Civil Service. About 2,000 people took the test, but only 4 got jobs. Hettie didn't get one of those spots.

Later that same year, she took another exam to join the Great Western Railway company. She came in second place! Only the person who came first got a job right away.

But soon after, Great Western Railway had an opening in their Drawing Office in Cardiff. This office was part of the Civil Engineering Department. Hettie remembered her second-place score and contacted the company. Because of her good exam result, she got a job as a tracer in August 1934. A tracer helps to copy drawings and plans.

Her Amazing Career

Hettie worked hard at the railway company. In 1942, the Chief Civil Engineer at Great Western Railway gave her a special role. She became a Junior Technical Staff member, working as a Draughtsman (which means she drew plans and designs).

Later, Hettie moved to British Rail, another big railway company. She kept getting promoted to more important jobs:

• She became an Assistant Draughtsman in 1948.
• Then, a Technical Assistant in 1957.
• She moved up to Engineering Assistant in 1966.
• Finally, she became a Senior Engineering Assistant in 1971.

Hettie was also part of the British Railway's Management Staff. This shows how important her work was. She was very interested in building tunnels, especially the Channel Tunnel that connects England and France!

Helping Other Women in Engineering

Hettie Bussell strongly believed that more women should become engineers. She worked hard to encourage them.

In 1951, Hettie joined the Women's Engineering Society. This group helps and supports women in engineering. She became a very active member in the London branch. In 1961, she joined the Society's council, which helps run the group.

From 1976 to 1977, Hettie was the President of the Women's Engineering Society! She took over from Gwendolen 'Bunty' Sergant and was followed by Veronica Milligan.

She also went to a big meeting in 1967 called the second International Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists in Cambridge. At this event, she even learned how to wear a sari, a traditional Indian dress, from an Indian engineer named K. K. Khubchandani. Other engineers like Rose Winslade, Cicely Thompson, Louise Davies, and Betty Lou Bailey were also there.

Later Life

Hettie Bussell became very ill in 1989. She passed away in Colchester in 1996. Her work helped open doors for many women in engineering.

See also

In Spanish: Henrietta Bussell para niños