Millicent Bryant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Millicent Bryant
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|---|---|
| Born | 8 January 1878 |
| Died | 3 November 1927 |
| Occupation | aviator |
| Known for | first woman to earn a pilot's licence in Australia |
| Awards | inducted into National Pioneer Women's Hall of Fame |
Millicent Maude Bryant (born Harvey, 8 January 1878 – 3 November 1927) was an amazing early Australian aviator. She made history as the first woman to get a pilot's licence in Australia. Her licence was number 71, and she earned it in 1927. She was also the first woman outside of Britain to get her pilot's licence in the entire Commonwealth!
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Millicent Bryant: Australia's First Woman Pilot
Millicent Bryant was a true pioneer. She showed that women could fly planes and achieve great things. Her courage opened doors for many other women who dreamed of flying.
Early Life
Millicent was born on 8 January 1878, in a place called Apsley, near Wellington, New South Wales. Her parents were Edmund George Harvey and Georgiana Sarah Bartlett Harvey. Millicent was one of ten children in her family.
A Pioneer in the Sky
In March 1927, when she was 49 years old, Millicent Bryant earned her pilot's licence. She got it from the Australian Aero Club of New South Wales. She and another woman, Evelyn Follett, are thought to be the first women ever to take a flying lesson in Australia. Millicent was definitely the first woman to get a private pilot's licence in the country. This was a huge achievement for her and for women everywhere!
Her Family and Legacy
Millicent was married to Edward James Bryant. They had three sons, born in 1901, 1903, and 1908. Sadly, her husband passed away in 1926, the year before she earned her licence.
A Sad Day
In 1927, at the age of 49, Millicent Bryant tragically lost her life in an accident in Sydney Harbour. She was one of the people affected by the Tahiti-Greycliffe Ferry disaster. To honor her, five planes flew over her funeral. They dropped a beautiful flower wreath as a special tribute.
Remembering Her
After her death, Millicent's sons created the Millicent Maud Bryant Trophy. This award was given each year to the best all-around pilot at the Australian Aero Club of New South Wales. It was a way to remember their mother's passion for flying.
Today, you can see Millicent Bryant's leather flying helmet. It is kept in the collection of the National Library of Australia.
In 2001, Millicent Bryant was recognized for her amazing achievements. She was inducted into the National Pioneer Women's Hall of Fame. Then, in 2007, to celebrate 80 years since she got her pilot's licence, the Australian Women Pilots' Association placed an official plaque on her tombstone. These tributes ensure that her pioneering spirit is never forgotten.
