Amy Johnson Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Amy Johnson was a pioneering English aviator who achieved worldwide fame for her record-breaking flights during the 1930s. Born in 1903 in Kingston upon Hull, she became fascinated with flying at an early age. After studying at the University of Sheffield, she dedicated herself to aviation, gaining her pilot’s license in 1929.

In 1930, Johnson made history by becoming the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia. She completed the grueling 11,000-mile journey in just 19 days, shattering the previous record. This extraordinary feat propelled her to international stardom and earned her the nickname “Queen of the Skies.”

Throughout the 1930s, Johnson continued to push the boundaries of aviation. She set numerous long-distance flying records, including a solo flight from London to Cape Town in 1932 and a flight from England to India in 1934. Her achievements inspired a generation of female aviators and challenged societal expectations of women’s roles.

During World War II, Johnson joined the Air Transport Auxiliary, ferrying aircraft for the Royal Air Force. Tragically, in January 1941, while transporting an aircraft, she encountered adverse weather conditions and crashed into the Thames Estuary. Her untimely death at the age of 37 shocked the nation and solidified her status as an aviation icon.

Amy Johnson’s legacy continues to inspire aviators and adventurers worldwide. This blue plaque, located on Hendon Way in London’s Borough of Barnet, marks one of the places she called home during her remarkable life. It serves as a reminder of her groundbreaking achievements and the enduring impact she had on the history of aviation.