Hilda Hewlett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hilda Hewlett
|
|
|---|---|
Photograph taken for her pilot's licence, circa 1911
|
|
| Born | 17 February 1864 Vauxhall, London, England
|
| Died | 21 August 1943 (aged 79) |
| Occupation | Aviator and business entrepreneur |
| Spouse(s) | Maurice Hewlett (1888–1914) |
| Children | Pia (Hewlett) Richards, Francis Hewlett |
| Parent(s) | Louisa Hopgood, George William Herbert |
Hilda Beatrice Hewlett (born February 17, 1864 – died August 21, 1943) was a brave and smart pioneer in aviation. She was the very first British woman to get a pilot's license! Hilda also started two important businesses. One was the first flying school in the United Kingdom, which she ran with Gustav Blondeau. The other was a successful company called Hewlett & Blondeau Limited that built over 800 airplanes and had up to 700 workers. Later in her life, she moved to New Zealand.
Contents
The Amazing Life of Hilda Hewlett
Hilda's Early Years and Passions
Hilda Beatrice Hewlett was born in Vauxhall, London, England, on February 17, 1864. Her father, George William Herbert, was a Church of England vicar. Hilda was one of nine children in her family.
When she was young, Hilda went to the National Art Training School. There, she learned skills like woodwork, metalwork, and needlework. These skills were very useful later when she became an aviation engineer. Her artwork was so good that it was even shown in exhibitions!
Hilda loved new technology. She was very keen on bicycles and early motor cars. She even took part in car rallies, which were like races or tours for cars.
On January 3, 1888, Hilda married Maurice Henry Hewlett. They had two children, a daughter named Pia and a son named Francis. However, they separated in 1914. Maurice Hewlett did not support Hilda's interest in flying. He famously said, "Women will never be as successful in aviation as men. They have not the right kind of nerve." Hilda proved him wrong!
Becoming a Flying Pioneer
Hilda Hewlett first saw airplanes at an aviation meeting in Blackpool in 1909. This sparked her interest in flying. Later that year, she traveled to France to study aeronautics, which is the science of flight. She used the secret name "Grace Bird" for her studies.
In France, she met an aviation engineer named Gustav Blondeau. They decided to become business partners. Hilda returned to England with a Farman III biplane, which she nicknamed the Blue Bird.
In the summer of 1910, Hilda and Gustav opened the first flying school in the United Kingdom. It was located at the Brooklands motor-racing track in Weybridge, Surrey. Many people learned to fly at their school, including famous aviators like Thomas Sopwith. In just a year and a half, thirteen students graduated from their school. It was very safe for its time, with no accidents at all!
Earning Her Pilot's License
A huge moment for Hilda came on August 29, 1911, at Brooklands. She became the first woman in the UK to earn a pilot's license! She received certificate No.122 from the Royal Aero Club after passing her test in her biplane.
Hilda also taught her own son, Francis, how to fly. He earned his pilot's certificate no. 156 on November 14, 1911. Francis went on to have an amazing military aviation career in both the UK and New Zealand. This made him the first military pilot taught to fly by his mother! He received a Distinguished Service Order in 1915 and became a group captain.
Hilda Hewlett also took part in airshows and flying competitions. On September 11, 1911, she flew her Farman biplane in an airshow in Plymouth. In 1912, she won a quick-start aviation competition, showing off her flying skills.
Building Airplanes for the War Effort
Hilda and Gustav Blondeau started an aircraft manufacturing company called Hewlett & Blondeau Limited. Hilda was the manager of this important business. They built airplanes like Farman, Caudron, and Hanriot models under special agreements.
The business began at Brooklands, then moved to Battersea, London. Finally, in May 1914, it settled on a 10 acre site in Leagrave, Bedfordshire. By August 1914, the company had already made 10 different types of aircraft.
During the First World War, Hilda's company was incredibly important. They manufactured over 800 military aircraft! They also made a special 90 horsepower engine that the British government needed for the war. The company grew to employ up to 700 people.
After the war, the demand for airplanes dropped. So, the business started making farming equipment instead. However, the factory closed by the end of October 1920. Today, a road in Luton, Hewlett Road, is named after Hilda. This honors her company's vital contribution during the war.
Life in New Zealand
Hilda had visited New Zealand, Rarotonga (in the Cook Islands), and the United States before. After her factory site was sold, she decided to move to Tauranga, New Zealand. She moved with her daughter Pia Richards and Pia's family. Hilda said she wanted to "escape from the three Cs, crowds, convention, and civilization."
She loved the outdoor life in New Zealand, especially camping and fishing. Her family even gave her the nickname "Old Bird"!
In June 1932, Hilda was at the first meeting of the Tauranga Aero and Gliding Club. In July, she was chosen as the club's very first president. In January 1939, a new airport opened in Tauranga. Frederick Jones, who was New Zealand's Minister of Defence at the time, named a nearby road after Hilda Hewlett and her son Francis. This was to recognize their great contributions to aviation.
Her Final Years
Hilda Hewlett passed away on August 21, 1943, in Tauranga, New Zealand. After a service, she was buried at sea.
Hilda's grandson's wife, Gail, has done a lot of research into Hilda's life. She published a book about Hilda and Maurice Hewlett in 2010.
Works
Published Non-Fiction
- Our Flying Men, by Mrs. Hilda Beatrice Hewlett, published in Kettering (1917).
Unpublished Non-Fiction
- Hilda Hewlett wrote her own autobiography, but it was never published. The original manuscript is kept by her family. It was used as the basis for a new biography about her life.
