Born: 1866 (Simla, India)
Died: 1928
Biography:
May Assheton Harbord, born May Constance Cuningham on June 6, 1866, in Simla, India, was a pioneering woman who made significant contributions to the field of aviation. She was the daughter of Surgeon General James Macnab Cuningham and Mary Falconer McRae. In her early years, May married Arthur Blackwood in 1885. However, she soon became a widow and remarried on April 3, 1905, to Hon. Assheton Edward Harbord, the son of Charles Harbord, 5th Baron Suffield.
It was in the world of ballooning that Mrs. Assheton Harbord made her name and left a lasting impact. Her ballooning career began with a social trip in a balloon in May 1906, but it quickly evolved into a passionate pursuit. May Harbord became a regular adventurer in balloons, even crossing the English Channel multiple times. She earned widespread recognition for her daring trips and became well-known for her exploits in the field.
One of her remarkable feats occurred during a rough landing, where she was thrown out of the balloon and landed on her head. Mrs. Assheton Harbord humorously declared, I can claim, therefore, to be the only woman who has landed on the Continent on her head. Her resilience and bravery only added to her fame.
In addition to her adventurous spirit, May Harbord played a vital role in the advancement of aviation for women in the United Kingdom. In 1912, she became the first woman to obtain an Aeronaut’s Certificate in the country, a groundbreaking achievement that opened doors for other women to enter the field of aviation.
May Harbord’s dedication to ballooning extended beyond her own pursuits. She often flew with John and Eleanor Shelley-Rolls, another noteworthy balloonist and the sister of Charles Rolls. Her enthusiasm for the sport led her to purchase two balloons, which she kept near Battersea gas works. The first balloon, named ‘Nebula,’ had a capacity of 45,000 cubic feet and marked the first flight in the UK by a woman in her own balloon.
Her accomplishments in ballooning were recognized with various awards and honors. Assheton Harbord was awarded the Mortimer Singer Plate in 1909 for completing the longest balloon journey in July, August, or September of the preceding year. She also participated in the prestigious Aero Club Challenge Cup and emerged victorious, earning the Krabbe Cup.
Outside of her aerial pursuits, May Assheton Harbord was an independent and determined woman. She owned and drove her own car, breaking societal norms for women of that era. However, her driving adventures sometimes led to legal trouble, as she was convicted of speeding at least four times by 1911.
Assheton Harbord was not only passionate about aviation and automobiles but also actively engaged in women’s organizations. She was a member of the Ladies Automobile Club from around 1909, a significant association that promoted the role of women in the male-dominated world of motoring. Additionally, during the First World War, May served in the Volunteer Motor Mobilisation Corps in 1915, showcasing her commitment to supporting the war effort.
Sadly, May Assheton Harbord passed away in 1928. Her legacy as a pioneering balloonist and aviation enthusiast remains an inspiration for women in aviation and a testament to the courage and determination it takes to challenge societal norms.
Awards:
– Mortimer Singer Plate for the longest balloon journey in July, August, or September in 1908
– Winner of the Krabbe Cup in the Aero Club Challenge Cup