Pauline Gower. Pioneering Leader of the Spitfire WomenA&H Template event

Pauline Gower was the leader of the Spitfire women, a wartime sisterhood: a group of courageous pioneers who took exceptional risks to fly Spitfires, Hurricanes and Lancasters to the frontlines of World War II. The 168 women of the Air Transport Auxiliary came from many countries and backgrounds. Although most were not allowed into combat, they demonstrated astonishing bravery; flying unarmed without radios or instruments and at the mercy of the weather and enemy aircraft, they delivered battle-ready planes to RAF fighter pilots.

Pauline Gower was a clear leader of her time and her story is one of bravery, fortitude and political persuasion. She died after giving birth, at only 36, a life cut tragically short, but one of significant achievements. Pauline left a huge legacy for women in aviation.