Born: 20 November 1897 (Pretoria, South African Republic)
Died: 24 February 1994
Biography:
Maude Rose Lores Bonney, AM, MBE (20 November 1897 – 24 February 1994) was a South African-born Australian aviator who made significant contributions to the field of aviation. She is best known for being the first woman to fly solo from Australia to Britain, an achievement that marked a major breakthrough for women in aviation. Bonney’s life and career were characterized by her determination, passion for flying, and her commitment to breaking barriers and stereotypes.
Born on 20 November 1897 in Pretoria, South African Republic, Bonney was the only child of Rosa Caroline and Norbert Albert Rubens. The family later moved to England in 1901 and then to Australia in 1903. Bonney received her education in Melbourne, attending the Star of the Sea Ladies’ College and the Cromarty Girls’ School. In 1911, she furthered her studies in music at Victoria-Pensionat in Bad Homburg, Germany, where she became an accomplished pianist. However, despite her musical talent, Bonney suffered from stage fright, which led her to explore other passions.
In 1917, at the age of 19, Bonney married Harry Barrington Bonney, a leather goods manufacturer. During World War I, she worked as a member of the Red Cross, contributing to the war effort. The couple settled in Bowen Hills, Brisbane, where Bonney’s interest in aviation was ignited.
Bonney’s fascination with flying grew after she met Bert Hinkler, her husband’s first cousin once removed who had set a solo England-Australia record. Inspired by Hinkler’s exploits, Bonney took her first flight in his Avro Avian biplane and resolved to learn to fly herself. In 1930, she began taking flying lessons with instructor Charles Matheson and obtained her private pilot’s license within a year. Her husband, fully supportive of her passion, even gifted her a de Havilland DH.60 Gypsy Moth, which she affectionately named My Little Ship.
Bonney’s aviation career took off when she embarked on her first record-breaking long-distance flight in December 1931. She decided to spend Christmas Day with her husband in Brisbane and then join her father in Wangaratta, Victoria, for lunch on Boxing Day. This flight covered a distance of 1,173 km and demonstrated her determination and skill as a pilot.
From that moment on, Bonney’s record-breaking flights gained significant attention from the press, propelling her into the spotlight as a pioneering aviator. In 1932, she became the first woman to circumnavigate the Australian mainland by air, covering a distance of 12,800 km in her DH 60G VH-UPV aircraft. Her accomplishments continued to soar when she flew from Brisbane to Croydon, UK, in 1933, becoming the first woman to fly solo from Australia to England, a remarkable distance of 20,000 km.
Bonney’s passion for aviation and her pursuit of new challenges led her to undertake another groundbreaking flight in 1937. Flying a Klemm L32-V aircraft with registration VH-UVE, she embarked on a flight from Brisbane to Cape Town, South Africa, covering a distance of 16,826 km. This journey marked her as the first person to fly from Australia to South Africa.
Throughout her career, Bonney faced various challenges and adversities, but she refused to let them hinder her progress. Her determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment to flying not only inspired many women but also paved the way for future generations of female aviators. By breaking barriers and records, Maude Bonney played a crucial role in shaping the history of women in aviation and proving that women were capable of achieving great milestones in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Awards:
– In recognition of her remarkable achievements and contributions to aviation, Maude Bonney was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
– Bonney was also honored with the Air Medal, a prestigious accolade that celebrated her trailblazing feats in aviation.
Today, Maude Bonney’s legacy lives on as a pioneer and role model for women in aviation. Her groundbreaking achievements continue to inspire countless individuals to pursue their passions and challenge societal norms, leaving an indelible mark on the history of women’s empowerment.