Sheila McGuffie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sheila Anscombe (nee McGuffie)
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| Born |
McGuffie
1911 Macclesfield, Cheshire, England
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| Died | 2007 |
| Education | Victoria University of Manchester (B.Sc. Electrical Engineering) |
| Occupation | Engineer |
| Employer |
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| Organization | Royal Aeronautical Society Women's Engineering Society |
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Notable work
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Worked on first jet engine |
Sheila McGuffie, later known as Sheila Anscombe, was an amazing engineer. She was born in March 1911 and passed away in 2007. Sheila was a key part of the team that created the very first jet engine. This invention changed how planes fly forever!
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Sheila's Early Life and Education
Sheila McGuffie was born in 1911. She loved learning about how things work. She went to the Victoria University of Manchester. There, she studied Electrical Engineering. In 1932, she earned her degree.
It was rare for women to study engineering back then. Sheila was one of only two women to graduate from her department at the same time. The other woman was Beatrice Shilling, who was also a famous engineer. Sheila once wrote that only four women in the whole UK earned engineering degrees the year she did. That was a record number! She also remembered riding on Beatrice Shilling's motorbike through the streets of Manchester.
Her Engineering Career
After graduating, Sheila found it a bit hard to get a job. She started as an apprentice. This meant she learned about electrical wiring in homes.
Later, she worked at A.C. Engineers for three years. She was a test records engineer there. In 1936, she joined the Royal Aircraft Establishment in Farnborough. Here, she worked as a wind tunnel scientist. This job involved testing how planes would fly.
While working there, Sheila learned to fly a plane herself! She got her pilot's A licence. She was the first woman and tenth person to fly solo at the Coventry Aviation Group. After she got married in 1938, she kept flying. She was part of the Civil Air Guard.
Working on the First Jet Engine
From 1940 to 1942, Sheila worked at Power Jets. She was a test engineer. She joined Frank Whittle's team. This team was developing the very first jet engine. It was a huge step for aviation!
Sheila was there for a very special moment. In May 1941, she saw the first flight of the jet engine. This happened at RAF Cranwell. During World War II, Sheila also helped as an ambulance driver.
Professional Groups
Sheila was a member of important groups for engineers. These groups helped engineers learn and connect.
- She was a member of the Royal Aeronautical Society.
- She also joined the Women's Engineering Society. This group supports women in engineering.
