SPITFIRES
The American Women Who Flew in the Face of Danger During World War II
They were crop dusters and debutantes, college girls and performers in flying circuses-all of them trained as pilots. Because they were women, they were denied the opportunity to fly for their country when the United States entered the Second World War. But Great Britain, desperately fighting for survival, would let anyone-even Americans, even women-transport warplanes. Thus, twenty-five daring young aviators bolted for England in 1942, becoming the first American women to command military aircraft.
In a faraway land, these “spitfires” lived like women decades ahead of their time. Risking their lives in one of the deadliest jobs of the war,
They were crop dusters and debutantes, college girls and performers in flying circuses-all of them trained as pilots. Because they were women, they were denied the opportunity to fly for their country when the United States entered the Second World War. But Great Britain, desperately fighting for survival, would let anyone-even Americans, even women-transport warplanes. Thus, twenty-five daring young aviators bolted for England in 1942, becoming the first American women to command military aircraft.
In a faraway land, these “spitfires” lived like women decades ahead of their time. Risking their lives in one of the deadliest jobs of the war, they ferried new, barely tested fighters and bombers to air bases and returned shot-up wrecks for repair, never knowing what might go wrong until they were high in the sky. Many ferry pilots died in crashes or made spectacular saves. It was exciting, often terrifying work. The pilots broke new ground off duty as well, shocking their hosts with thoroughly modern behavior.
With cinematic sweep, Becky Aikman follows the stories of nine of the women who served, drawing on unpublished diaries, letters, and records, along with her own interviews, to bring these forgotten heroines fully to life. Spitfires is a vivid, richly detailed account of war, ambition, and a group of remarkable women whose lives were as unconventional as their dreams.
- Bloomsbury Publishing
- Hardcover
- May 2025
- 368 Pages
- 9781635576566
Buy the Book
$31.99
About Becky Aikman
Becky Aikman is the author of two books of narrative nonfiction: her memoir, Saturday Night Widows, and Off the Cliff: How the Making of Thelma & Louise Drove Hollywood to the Edge. A former journalist at Newsday, Aikman has written for the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and other publications. She lives in New York.
Praise
“A bold and soaring work of history . . . whip-smart, deeply researched, and beautifully written.” —Jonathan Eig, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of King: A Life
“A rollicking ride through history, I couldn’t get enough of the stories of these brave women defying convention and risking their lives in search of adventure and fulfillment. Empowering and inspiring, Spitfires brilliantly illuminates the incredible contributions of women pilots during WWII.” —Olivia Campbell, New York Times bestselling author of Women in White Coats and Sisters in Science
“An enthralling account of the World War II exploits of a group of audacious, hell-raising American women who risked their lives to ferry warplanes for the British. Displaying an abundance of courage and extraordinary flying skills, these female mavericks showed Allied military officials just what they were missing by barring women from flying in combat.” —Lynne Olson, New York Times bestselling author of Madame Fourcade’s Secret War
“With prose that sweeps you across the Atlantic, Spitfires is the long overdue account of the brave and fascinating women who risked their lives flying during World War II . . . A must read not just for aviation buffs, but for anyone who appreciates a great tale of unsung heroism.” —Mary Pilon, New York Times bestselling author of The Monopolists