Eleanor Lettice Curtis was an English aviator, flight test engineer, air racing pilot, and sportswoman.
10 Facts About Lettice Curtis
1.
2.
Curtis was born on 1 February 1915 at Denbury in Devon, a daughter of Eleanor Francis and Walter Septimus Curtis was born on 1871 and of Denbury House.
3.
Lettice Curtis was educated at Benenden School and St Hilda's College, Oxford where, in addition to studying Mathematics, she was Captain of the University Women's Lawn Tennis and Fencing teams.
4.
In early July 1940 Lettice Curtis became one of the first women pilots to join the British Air Transport Auxiliary, remaining with the ATA until 30 November 1945, when the organisation was closed down.
5.
Lettice Curtis commenced her ATA career by delivering primary training aircraft such as the Tiger Moth, progressing to the Miles Master and North American Harvard advanced trainers.
6.
Lettice Curtis was the first woman pilot to deliver an Avro Lancaster bomber and flew 222 Handley Page Halifaxes and 109 Short Stirlings.
7.
Lettice Curtis flew continually during World War II from various Ferry Pool locations delivering all types through all weather to various destinations.
8.
Lettice Curtis took an active part in British air racing, flying various aircraft including her Wicko and a Spitfire XI owned by the American air attache in London.
9.
Lettice Curtis was a founding member of the British Women Pilots' Association.
10.
Lettice Curtis died in Maidenhead, Berkshire on 21 July 2014 at the age of 99.