Jacqueline Cochran
National History Day 2022
Debate and Diplomacy
World War II and American Women Aviators in Britain
Lack of Male Pilots During World War II
25 Women Fliers Joining The British, The New York Times, March 26, 1942.
Male pilots were needed to go into combat, so Jacqueline Cochran offered for women pilots to fill their jobs. In order to make this happen, Cochran and other American women aviators went to Britain to study their use of female aviators in the military in order to get a better idea of how the program ran. During their time in Britain, the pilots flew planes and studied the British Air Transport Auxiliary Program to further their experience and knowledge.
Agreement for Recruitment of American Aviators to Air Transport Auxiliary Program
"At our suggestion you have agreed to proceed to organize a group of American women pilots to join the British Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) under the terms of an agreement of service, copy of which is attached hereto" - Director General, letter to Jacqueline Cochran, January 24, 1942.
"It has been intimated that you may be requested by the authorities of your Government to organize and supervise training centres for American women pilots" - Director General, letter to Jacqueline Cochran, January 24, 1942.
"In the event that any of the American armed services should decide to organize a women's auxiliary flying unit, we will at your request release you to help organize or to take charge of such unit" - Director General, letter to Jacqueline Cochran, January 24, 1942.
Director General, letter to Jacqueline Cochran, January 24, 1942.
American Women Pilots in Britain
Detroit Evening Times, Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers, August 23, 1942.
"It was Miss Cochran who, last Winter set about recruiting volunteers from 3,258 licensed women pilots in the United States" - Detroit Evening Times, Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers, August 23, 1942.
"Winning their wings at this work, they began to fly 100 different types of British and American fighters and bombers to front-line stations" - Detroit Evening Times, Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers, August 23, 1942.
"According to Miss Cochran the women in England have been doing a most helpful and outstanding job in air transport" - Detroit Evening Times, Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers, August 23, 1942.
Interview of Jacqueline Cochran talking about her experience in Britain. Courtesy of Critical Past.
Their work in Britain proved to be sufficient, and Cochran was able to come back to the US and begin the work to integrate women aviators into the military.