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Mary Ellis, WWII Pilot

Mary Ellis had her first flying lesson in August 1938 and was later trained to fly fighters and bombers. She served as a First Officer in the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) during the Second World War.

Flying over 400 Spitfires and Seafires, Mary achieved an impressive record of aircraft flown and was also Commandant of Sandown Airport for twenty years from 1950.

In February 2017, Mary celebrated her 100th birthday by going for a ride in a Spitfire (and taking the controls).

January 2018, Mary was awarded the Freedom of the Isle of Wight.

Sadly Mary passed away on 24th July 2018. Below are some of the articles about her.

27, August 2010·1 min read

Sandown Airport: Who’s Up For Researching Its History?

Extraordinary how much has happened at Sandown airport over the years. Do you want to get involved in writing some things up about it?

2, June 2014·1 min read

D-Day veterans celebrated during Old Gaffers Festival

D-Day veterans were brought together and their war efforts commemorated during an afternoon tea at The George on Friday.

20, August 2015·2 min read

‘End of the War Celebration’ at Sandown Airport this weekend

There'll be planes, a parade, exhibitions and displays, music from the WWII period and lots more at the two day event this weekend at Sandown Airport. Visitors are invited to dress in period clothing if they wish to get into the spirit of the event!

2, February 2017·1 min read

Birthday wishes to Isle of Wight centenarian, Mary Ellis (updated)

Many happy returns to the inspirational WWII female pilot, Mary Ellis, who celebrates her 100th birthday today.

23, February 2017·1 min read

Let’s give Mary Ellis, former WWII pilot, Freedom of the Wight: Sign the petition now!

We all remember the love that went out to Mary Ellis, Isle of Wight's inspirational former WWII pilot, when she turned 100. She gave so much - Now there's something we can all do for her: Sign this petition to have her honoured with the Freedom of the Island.

26, September 2017·1 min read

Mary Ellis, Isle of Wight centenarian WWII pilot, receives more honours

The honours keep coming for Isle of Wight Centenarian, former WWII Spitfire pilot, Mary Ellis.

22, November 2017·2 min read

Mary Ellis ‘Freedom of the Isle of Wight’ campaign looks like it’s winning!

It's fantastic to see that the OnTheWight campaign to award Wartime Spitfire pilot Mary Ellis the Freedom of the Isle of Wight looks like it is coming to fruition.

17, January 2018·2 min read

Council consider Freedom of the Wight for former WWII pilot Mary Ellis

In a remarkable - and very welcome - u-turn on what OnTheWight had been told by the Isle of Wight council's Head of Legal, members will tonight consider granting Mary Ellis with Freedom of the Isle of Wight.

17, January 2018·2 min read

Mary Ellis, WWII Pilot, given Freedom of the Isle of Wight: Watch Video

The extraordinary former WWII pilot, Mary Ellis, has been granted to the Freedom of the Isle of Wight. The long campaign to honour her has paid off.

6, March 2018·4 min read

‘The Beagle has landed’ at the Wight Aviation Museum

The Scottish Aviation Beagle Bulldog 120 G-CCOA has become the first exhibit at the new Wight Aviation Museum, opening this summer at Sandown Airport. Find out how to share your aviation memorabilia.

9, July 2018·1 min read

Time for Benedetta to be recognised as one of first women to get RAF Wings

Benedetta Willis of Bembridge was one of the first five ex-ATA women pilots who their full RAF Wings in the 1950s. A documentary is planned to highlight this fantastic achievement.

26, July 2018·3 min read

Mary Ellis, WW2 Spitfire pilot, passes away aged 101 on the Isle of Wight

Thoughts go out to Mary's family and friends at this very sad time. She was an inspiration to many and her legacy will continue as her memory lives on.

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