About
An archive film show from Ray Johnson for Women's history month telling the story of air transport auxiliary pilot Rita Baines.
About the film
During World War 2, the Air Transport Auxiliary - the "ATA" - ferried newly built planes from the factories to the airfields. The pilots were a mixture of retired pilots - and women new to flying. After decades of women fighting for equal pay with men - the ATA women the very first to actually achieve - job for job - equal pay. This is a special feature on local ATA pilot Rita Baines of Trentham, whose family have recently discovered her wartime notebooks - she worked at the aircraft factory at Blythe Bridge, then took flying lessons and joined the ATA - delivering new planes around the UK. She flew all types of plane and eventually - Spitfires.
"It was the 28th December 1943 that my contract with the ATA began - I did my first solo flight after 14 hours' tuition. Then I flew Tiger Moths. My shortest training flight was 108 miles, my longest flight 606 miles.
We had to learn so much! About the parts of an aircraft engine (there I had an advantage), the theory of flying, airfield and pyrotechnic signals, preparations for cross country flying and landing, the forced landing procedure (which fortunately I never had to use).
I do remember that later, once I was a ferry pilot flying all over the country, a delivery route brought me over Staffordshire. I couldn't resist buzzing our local golf course! My parents were members, and they were embarrassed and rather annoyed, but I though it highly amusing.
I was pleasantly surprised by my first payslip, and no wonder – we were paid at the same rates as the men pilots! This was thanks to Pauline Gower, the woman who in 1939 helped Gerard d'Erlanger set up the ATA. She had to use all her powers of persuasion, and, by the summer of 1943, she had negotiated equal pay for us.
28 September 1944 was an exciting day for me when I flew my first Spitfire! I could see why every pilot who flew Spitfires was so in love with the plane – it was so manoeuvrable, so easy to handle and responsive to the lightest touch.
We were the first organization in the country to have equal pay for women. I just loved flying! My friend Joy Lofthouse said: 'I was paid better than a squadron leader, but I'd have done it for nothing!'
Equality of pay was an astounding achievement."
Rita Baines – with thanks to her daughter Caroline Spiers.
Getting to the museum and access
Find details about how to get to the museum, where to park and the support we can offer to make your visit accessible and enjoyable.
We know that times are tough financially right now. If you would like to attend but cannot afford the ticket price please contact us at bramptonmuseum@newcastle-staffs.gov.uk or on 01782 619705 and we can arrange some free tickets.
