The Aviator's Tale

Pioneering Hull-born aviator, Amy Johnson: the first female pilot to fly alone from Britain to Australia

Hull on Film: Tales From A City Exhibition (2018) by Yorkshire Film ArchiveYorkshire Film Archive

Miss Amy Johnson C.B.E (1930) by UnknownYorkshire Film Archive

The Aviator's Tale: Amy Johnson

Amy Johnson was born on 1st July 1903 at 154 St George’s Road, Hull. She attended Boulevard Municipal Secondary School and later went on to Sheffield University, where, in 1925, she was one of the first women to graduate with a BA in economics.   

Amy Johnson at Hedon (1930-08-11) by UnknownOriginal source: View the film on the Yorkshire Film Archive website

Initially introduced to flying as a hobby, Amy gained a pilot’s licence in July 1929; in December of the same year, she became the first woman in the country to obtain a ground engineer’s ‘C’ licence.

In recognition of this achievement, she was elected a member of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) in March 1930.

Amy Johnson sets off for Australia (1930)Yorkshire Film Archive

Amy’s father, John Johnson, was hugely supportive of his daughter’s passion for flying, and it was thanks to financial assistance from him, and also from Castrol Motor Oil magnate and philanthropist, Charles Cheers (Viscount) Wakefield – that she was able to purchase G-AAAH, a second-hand de Havilland DH.60 Gipsy Moth which she called ‘Jason’ after her father’s business trade mark.

Together they would make history.

Exhibition of Flying (1930-02/1930-07) by UnknownYorkshire Film Archive

Amy Johnson grew up during a time when aviation was in its infancy. Flying was exciting – for those on the ground as well as the cockpit.

Aeronautical displays were very popular, and for a lucky few, there was a chance to buy a ticket to take to the skies and see Yorkshire from the air. Amy herself was to have her first taste of flying when she went up for a ride at Hull Fair.

Flying in Yorkshire (1928) by C H WoodOriginal source: View film on Yorkshire Film Archive website

Flying in Yorkshire (1928 - 1933)

Amy Johnson at Hedon (1930)Yorkshire Film Archive

On 5th May 1930, Amy and ‘Jason’ took off from Croydon, the UK's major international airport during the interwar period. Armed with a thermos and a packet of sandwiches, her aim was to break the record time of flying to Australia in 15 days, as set by Bert Hinker in 1928.

Bad weather, crash landings and subsequent repairs meant that she didn’t break the record after all, eventually landing in Darwin on 24th May having travelled nearly 11,000 miles. She had, however, become to first woman to fly solo to Australia – a feat that brought her huge fame and fortune.

Amy was conferred with the honour of CBE by King George V and made an Honorary Fellow of the Society of Women Engineers (SoE), as well as an Honorary Member of the Guild of Air Pilots.

Jason, Amy Johnson's plane (1930) by UnknownYorkshire Film Archive

She went on to fly all over the world: America, Japan, South Africa and Canada to name but a few countries, breaking records and inspiring a whole new generation of flyers.

On her return from Australia, Amy embarked on an exhausting round Britain tour. Monday 11th August 1930 saw her back on home ground when she landed ‘Jason’ at Hedon aerodrome to a hero’s welcome.

On arrival, Amy was greeted by the Mayor and Sheriff of Hull, the president of the Yorkshire Aviation club, and a crowd of well-wishers.

Amy Johnson's Parade Map through Hull (1930-08-11) by Hull Daily MailYorkshire Film Archive

Following her arrival at Hedon, Amy was driven in an open topped car to Hull City Hall, where an official reception took place. Thousands of people lined the route of the grand procession to see her and welcome her home.

Amy Johnson's parade to the Guildhall and evening reception (1930-08-11)Original source: View the full film on the Yorkshire Film Archive website

Amy Johnson's triumphant journey from Hedon aerodrome to the City Hall, followed by the civic banquet at the Guildhall. (1930)

Amy Johnson at Cramlington Aerodrome (1930) by Newcastle and District Amateur Cinematographers AssociationYorkshire Film Archive

In a lecture to the Society of Women Engineers, Amy described the fuelling arrangements during her flight:

“I had no gauge for the front or rear petrol tanks, and the only way to tell they were full was to put a finger inside as it was impossible to see the petrol level.

Often the tanks overflowed, and even when the front tank was not full the vent overflowed as it was some distance below the top of the tank. The result was that the whole of my kit … became saturated with petrol and when I retired at night I had to do so in petrol-soaked pyjamas …”

Credits: Story

We are indebted to the Heritage Lottery Fund for supporting our work to preserve these films and make them accessible for future generations. The research has been extensive and this exhibition contains only some of the stories we have discovered. To see further films, visit www.yorkshirefilmarchive.com

It is not possible to list everyone who has helped with this project – we are hugely grateful for the generosity of responses we have received, from families, historians and volunteers. In particular we would like to thank:

Val Baxter, Jonathan Barker, Malcolm Dunn, Daniel Morgan, Dr. David Marchant and the East Riding of Yorkshire Museum Service.

Curator: Martin Watts Hull on Film
Editor: Andy Burns, Yorkshire Film Archive
Writer: Ruth Patman, Yorkshire Film Archive
Archivist: Megan McCooley, Yorkshire Film Archive

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions (listed below) who have supplied the content.
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