Peggy Hodges facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peggy Hodges
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
Peggy Lilian Hodges
11 June 1921 London, England, United Kingdom
|
| Died | 21 November 2008 (aged 87) Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom
|
| Nationality | British |
| Education | Girton College, Cambridge |
| Occupation | Engineer, mathematician, physicist |
| Known for | Guided weapons technology |
| Awards | Whitney Straight Award 1970 OBE 1972 |
Peggy Lilian Hodges (June 11, 1921 – November 21, 2008) was a brilliant British engineer. She worked on important guided missile technology for a company called GEC Marconi. She was also a strong supporter of women in engineering.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Peggy was born in Lewisham, a part of London, on June 11, 1921. She later moved to Westcliff-on-Sea, where she went to Westcliff High School for Girls.
After high school, Peggy studied Natural Sciences at Girton College, Cambridge, a famous university. She earned her degree in 1942.
A Career in Engineering
After college, Peggy started her career at a company called Standard Telephone and Cables (STC). She worked as a Junior Radio Engineer. Her job involved designing communication systems for airplanes. She also helped with special equipment that guided planes to land safely, even in bad weather.
In 1950, Peggy joined the GEC Applied Electronics Laboratories. Here, she became an expert in microwaves and systems engineering. She focused on developing guided weapons, like missiles.
Peggy became a Systems Manager and then a Project Manager for the Guided Weapons Project. One of her big projects was working on the guidance system for the Sea Dart missile. She also worked on guided torpedoes that could be launched from planes.
Later, Peggy focused on using computer simulations to test and improve guided weapons systems. She became the Simulation Manager, making sure these complex systems worked perfectly.
Helping Other Women Engineers
Peggy was a very active member of the Women's Engineering Society (WES). She joined this group in 1960. WES helps and encourages women to become engineers.
Peggy held many important roles in WES. She was a Member of Council and helped guide young women interested in engineering careers. From 1971 to 1973, she was the President of WES. She gave a special lecture called ‘Control – Feedback completes the circle’.
After she retired in 1981, Peggy continued to work as a consultant for Marconi Space and Defence Systems. She also became President of the Caroline Haslett Trust. This trust helps young women get into engineering. Peggy was also a member of Soroptimist International, another group that supports women.
Awards and Recognition
Peggy Hodges received many awards and honors for her amazing work. In 1969, she became a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. At that time, she was one of only three women to achieve this honor. She was also a Fellow of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA).
In 1970, Peggy won the Whitney Straight Award. This award recognized her outstanding achievements in aviation. Prince Charles himself presented her with this special award. That same year, she appeared in a TV film called ‘Made In Britain’, which was about women working in fields usually dominated by men.
Peggy was also awarded an OBE in 1972. This high honor was given to her for her important contributions to guided weapons technology.
Peggy's personal papers and work notes are kept in the IET Archives. They help us learn more about her life and achievements.
Legacy and Impact
Peggy Hodges left a lasting impact even after her death. A special gift from her will helped create the Peggy Hodges Prize. This prize is given to the top female student in their second year of engineering studies at the University of Hertfordshire. It continues to encourage young women to excel in engineering, just as Peggy did.
