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and Her Co-Pilot. Now Thought To Be Shot Down During WWII Johnson, Amy (1903-1941). Pioneer English aviator. She received her flying license on 6 July 1929 at the London Aeroplane Club. Amy Johnson received worldwide recognition when in 1930 she became the first woman pilot (aviatrix) to fly solo from England to Australia, a distance of 11,000 miles. The aircraft for this flight is in the Science Museum in London. She was honored with the No. 1 civil pilot’s license under Australia’s 1921 Air Navigation Regulations. In July 1931, Johnson and her co-pilot Jack Humphreys became the first pilots to fly from London to Moscow in one day completing 1,760 miles in 21 hours. On July 29, 1932 she married flyer Jim Mollinson. They flew from South Wales to the U.S. running out of fuel they crashed in Connecticut. After healing from their wounds a ticker tape parade was held for them in New York City. During WWII, Amy joined the newly formed Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) and rose to 1st Officer. On 5 January 1941 while flying for the ATA she went off course in bad weather. It has been said she bailed out before her aircraft crashed in the Thames Estuary. There is much mystery over the alleged accident for the flight is a government secret. It has been reported that she was shot down when twice she failed to give the correct identification code. Sixteen rounds of shots were fired and the aircraft dived into the Thames Estuary. It was thought it was an enemy plane. She died at the early age of 37. In 1942 a film was made of Johnson’s life They Flew Alone. The movie is known in the U.S. as Wings And The Woman. Very rare early photograph, 4.5”x6” of Amy Johnson and her co-pilot Jack Humphreys standing next to the plane which flew from London to Australia. Signed by both. Photo is affixed to a larger card. Signatures of Amy Johnson can be considered rare in any form. Autographs of Johnson are usually found from a later date and are signed with her marriage name Amy Mollinson. In fine condition ........................... SOLD  |