Former "ATA Girl" Awarded Freedom Of The Isle Of Wight

PICTURE: IOW Council 

A former “ATA girl” who delivered Spitfires and bombers to RAF airfields during the Second World War has been awarded the freedom of the Isle of Wight.

Isle of Wight councillors voted to honour Mrs Ellis, now aged 100, as she is the last surviving pilot to have served in the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA).

The ATA were responsible for transporting aircraft and pilots throughout the war years, until they were disbanded in 1945.

Mary Ellis, then Wilkins, joined the service in 1941 after hearing a radio advert for women pilots.

During her time in the ATA, Mrs Ellis delivered around 1,000 aircraft to the RAF, including the famous Spitfireand Wellington bomber.

She did so with only a compass, stopwatch and map to help her find the airfields.

After the war ended, she moved to the Isle of Wight where she managed Sandown Airport.

Isle of Wight Council leader Dave Stewart described Mrs Ellis as a "national, international and Island heroine".

On receiving the award, Mrs Ellis said that she was "very honoured".

She said: "Although I have travelled extensively during my life, the Island has always been home and is such a special place to me.

“Thank you for granting me the Freedom of this wonderful Island."

Mr Stewart added: "She is one of the last of the finest generation who did so much to guarantee our freedom 70 years ago."