TRAIL-BLAZING Second World War hero Marion Wilberforce was one of the first “ATA-girl” pilots.

Marion, who lived with her husband Robert at their farm, Nevendon Manor in Wickford, went on to become one of only two women pool commanders in the whole of the British Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA).

She will be honoured with a Blue Plaque which is set to be unveiled in Nevendon on August 9.

The experienced pilot had accrued 900 flying hours by the time civilian flying ceased in 1939, and she was invited to go to Whitchurch on December 16 1939 for a flight test to become one of Pauline Gower’s first eight women to join the ATA.

Echo: Nevendon Manor - Marion's marital homeNevendon Manor - Marion's marital home (Image: Basildon Borough Heritage)

The ATA had been formed in September that same year for male pilots who were too old or unfit for RAF service, but who were still more than capable to pilot light aircraft.

They were given the nickname “Ancient and Tattered Airmen”.

They transported mail, dispatches, medical supplies and later, flying training aircraft, fighters, bombers and flying boats from factories to frontline squadrons. Pauline Gower had to fight for the creation of the women’s section and Marion became one of the first of eight women to form the Women’s section of the ATA, who, by the end of the war were dubbed the “ATA-girls”.

Echo: ATA Pilots and their Tiger Moths left to right Pauline Gower, Winifred Crossly Fair, Margaret Cunnison, Hon. Margaret Fairweather, Mona Friedlander, Joan Hughes, Gabriell Patterson, Rosemary ReesATA Pilots and their Tiger Moths left to right Pauline Gower, Winifred Crossly Fair, Margaret Cunnison, Hon. Margaret Fairweather, Mona Friedlander, Joan Hughes, Gabriell Patterson, Rosemary Rees (Image: Basildon Borough Heritage)

Marion had taken up flying in 1930, and had learned to fly at Stag Lane Aerodrome, Edgware where she gained her pilot’s licence.

This was quite an achievement as many women at that time did not even drive motor cars.

She was initially first deputy but then took over command of No5 Ferry Pool and in early 1943 she was transferred to No12 ferry pool, Cosford and took command of the second all-women pool.

Echo: Flying high - a de-Havilland Tiger MothFlying high - a de-Havilland Tiger Moth (Image: Basildon Borough Heritage)

They initially flew light training planes, such as Gipsy and Tiger Moths and by the end of 1941 they were flying Spitfires, Hurricanes and twin-engine types.

After the war she returned to her Essex farm and immersed herself into country life and peacetime flying.

All of the research detailed here was collated by Basildon Heritage Group. See www.basildonheritage.org.uk.