Fanny Margaret Skelton, (born 8 January 1903, date of death unknown) was an early Australian aviator and, in 1929, was among the first women to gain a pilot's licence in Australia. Skelton was one of six women who flew their biplanes in formation over the sea in order to guide Amy Johnson into Sydney after her flight between England and Australia in 1930.[1][2][3][4][5]

Life

Skelton was the eldest daughter of George Richard and Fanny Louisa Skelton (née Bucknell) of Ottley near Inverell.[6] Her family did not approve of her hobby and her father would not speak of it when she returned home to visit.

After leaving the family property, Skelton lived in Sydney and worked in a dress shop.[7][8][9][10] She also promoted a beauty product, Creme Charmosan, to combat the damage caused by flying and being exposed to sun and strong wind pressure.[11][12]

After obtaining her pilot's licence, number 634, Skelton wished to fly to England in the company of another pilot, but as she was unable to purchase her own plane, was unable to do so.[13][14]

References

  1. ↑ "Australia remembers daring Amy Johnson". The Australian Women's Weekly. Vol. 47, no. 50. Australia. 14 May 1980. p. 16. Retrieved 27 January 2018 – via National Library of Australia.
  2. ↑ "Airwomen Meet At Aero Club". The Sunday Herald (Sydney). No. 35. New South Wales, Australia. 18 September 1949. p. 13. Retrieved 27 January 2018 – via National Library of Australia.
  3. ↑ "MISS JOHNSON'S FLIGHT". The Daily News. Vol. XLIX, no. 17, 169. Western Australia. 16 May 1930. p. 7 (HOME FINAL EDITION). Retrieved 27 January 2018 – via National Library of Australia.
  4. ↑ "SYDNEY'S WELCOME". Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate. No. 16, 735. New South Wales, Australia. 5 June 1930. p. 8. Retrieved 27 January 2018 – via National Library of Australia.
  5. ↑ "Women Aviators of New South Wales". Sydney Mail. Vol. XXXIX, no. 1010. New South Wales, Australia. 5 August 1931. p. 8. Retrieved 27 January 2018 – via National Library of Australia.
  6. ↑ "Obituary". Warialda Standard And Northern Districts' Advertiser. Vol. 50, no. 8. New South Wales, Australia. 20 March 1944. p. 2. Retrieved 27 January 2018 – via National Library of Australia.
  7. ↑ "TO FLY TO ENGLAND". The Inverell Times. Vol. 4, no. 84. New South Wales, Australia. 6 June 1930. p. 4. Retrieved 27 January 2018 – via National Library of Australia.
  8. ↑ "GOING UP". The Sun. No. 5948. New South Wales, Australia. 2 December 1929. p. 15 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved 27 January 2018 – via National Library of Australia.
  9. ↑ "PERSONAL". Northern Star. Vol. 54. New South Wales, Australia. 16 December 1929. p. 6. Retrieved 27 January 2018 – via National Library of Australia.
  10. ↑ "KEEN ON FLYING". North West Champion. Vol. 18, no. 82. New South Wales, Australia. 3 November 1930. p. 3. Retrieved 27 January 2018 – via National Library of Australia.
  11. ↑ "Margaret Skelton". The Daily News. Vol. L, no. 17, 368. Western Australia. 5 January 1931. p. 5 (HOME (FINAL) EDITION). Retrieved 27 January 2018 – via National Library of Australia.
  12. ↑ "Margaret Skelton". Northern Standard. Northern Territory, Australia. 21 August 1931. p. 1. Retrieved 27 January 2018 – via National Library of Australia.
  13. ↑ "TO FLY TO ENGLAND". The Inverell Times. Vol. 4, no. 84. New South Wales, Australia. 6 June 1930. p. 4. Retrieved 27 January 2018 – via National Library of Australia.
  14. ↑ "VETERANS OF THE AIR". The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 36, 039. New South Wales, Australia. 24 June 1953. p. 9. Retrieved 27 January 2018 – via National Library of Australia.
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