Born: 1915 (Tynemouth, England)
Died: 2002 (Newcastle upon Tyne, England)
Biography:
Susan Mary Auld (10 January 1915 – 9 March 2002), born Susan Denham Christie in Tynemouth, was a pioneering woman in the field of naval architecture. She became the first woman to graduate as a naval architect from Durham University, making significant contributions to the shipbuilding industry and leaving her mark on women’s history.
Susan Auld came from a family with a strong background in naval engineering. Her grandfather, Charles John Denham Christie, was one of the founders of the company that later became the Swan Hunter Group of shipyards. Her father, John Denham Christie, served as the company chairman for many years. Growing up in this environment, Susan developed a passion for naval architecture from a young age.
Initially, Susan received homeschooling until she turned 14, at which point she was sent to Cheltenham Ladies’ College for further education. In 1932, she embarked on her studies in naval architecture under the tutelage of Sir Westcott Abell at Durham University. Four years later, in 1936, Susan made history as the first English woman to be awarded a degree in naval architecture.
Susan’s accomplishments did not stop there. She also became the first woman to be admitted as a student member to the North East Coast Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in October 1932. Although Dorothy Rowntree had achieved recognition earlier, Susan’s admission as a student member marked a significant milestone for women in the field.
Susan Denham Christie joined the design office of Swan, Hunter, and Wigham Richardson at the Neptune yard on Tyneside, a period when very few women were employed in the shipbuilding industry. Undeterred by the odds, she became a pioneering architect for the Royal Navy, breaking barriers along the way.
Despite facing discriminatory obstacles, Susan’s talent and determination shone through. In 1942, the Woman Engineer reported on her achievements, highlighting that she was the only woman ship designer in the country. She had recently been admitted as an Associate Member of the North East Coast Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in her profession.
During World War II, Susan’s expertise was vital in the design of significant naval vessels. She played a crucial role in the design of the battleship HMS Anson, launched in 1940, and the aircraft carrier HMS Albion, which was launched in 1947. Additionally, Susan contributed to the design of floating vessels used to land Allied troops in France on D-Day in 1944, further showcasing her invaluable contributions to the war effort.
Following the war, Susan Denham Christie continued her career in commercial and cargo shipbuilding. Notably, she was part of the team responsible for designing the Leda, a passenger ferry operating between Tyneside and Norway. Although she eventually gave up her career as a naval architect after marrying electrical engineer John Gwynne Auld in 1952, Susan remained connected to her field through her work as a correspondent for The Shipyard magazine, the in-house company publication of Swan, Hunter, and Wigham Richardson.
Susan Auld’s lasting contributions and indomitable spirit continue to inspire generations of women in naval architecture. Her remarkable career paved the way for greater gender diversity in a traditionally male-dominated field. Susan left behind a legacy of excellence, breaking down barriers and defying expectations throughout her life.
Susan Auld passed away in Newcastle upon Tyne on 9 March 2002, leaving behind a rich legacy and inspiring countless women to pursue their dreams in engineering and shipbuilding.