Born: 1886 (Dresden, Germany)
Died: 1925
Amelie Hedwig Boutard-Beese, better known as Melli Beese, was a pioneer in aviation and the first female German pilot. Born on September 13, 1886, in Dresden, Germany, to Alma Wilhemine Hedwig Beese and Friedrich Karl Richard Beese, Amelie grew up in a comfortable family with her younger brother Edgar and two half-siblings from her father’s previous marriage, Hertha and Kurt.
In 1906, Amelie decided to pursue a career as a sculptor. However, facing limitations in German art schools that did not admit female students, she took the bold step of studying at Stockholm’s Royal Academy from 1906 until 1909. During her time there, she honed her skills and created remarkable works of art, including a bronze bust of the painter Allan Egnell. She even won a prize for a group sculpture called The Soccer Players.
While in Stockholm, Amelie discovered her passion for sailing and skiing, developing a deep affinity for both activities. When she returned to Dresden in 1909, her father supported her dreams and built her a studio at their new home in Blasewitz. It was during this time that Amelie became fascinated with aviation, inspired by Louis Bleriot’s famous flight from Calais to Dover in September 1909.
With her father’s encouragement, Amelie decided to pursue a career as an aviator. She enrolled in Dresden’s Politechnic School, studying mathematics, shipbuilding, and aeronautic engineering. Her father, initially hoping she would lose interest in aviation, soon realized her determination and agreed to fund her studies and living expenses at a flying school in Berlin.
In November 1910, Amelie traveled to Johannisthal, the first airfield in Berlin. There, she encountered aviators from different nations and aircraft manufacturing companies like Rumpler. However, she faced challenges in finding an instructor who would teach her how to fly. Despite the reluctance she faced, Robert Thelen, the Norwegian chief of construction at the aeroplane building company Ad Astra, agreed to take her on as a student when he had spare time. In return, Amelie would work in the engineering shop.
Amelie’s first flight with Thelen took place in December 1910, marking an important milestone in her aviation journey. Unfortunately, during a flight in front of her older sister Hertha von Grienberger on December 12, a chain on the machine broke, causing a mishap. This incident did not deter Amelie, as her determination only grew stronger.
Throughout her career, Amelie faced numerous challenges and barriers as a female pilot in a male-dominated field. However, she persevered and continued to make significant contributions to aviation. Her accomplishments and passion for flying not only challenged societal norms but also inspired other women to pursue their dreams in aviation.
Despite her untimely death on December 22, 1925, at the age of 39, Amelie Beese left an indelible mark on the history of aviation. She will always be remembered as a trailblazer who defied gender stereotypes and paved the way for future generations of female pilots.