HONOUR FOR FEMALE AND MALE SPITFIRE PILOTS FOR WORLD WAR TWO

Early day motion 953, tabled 19 February 2008 by Nigel Griffiths (Labour). Signed by 109 members.

That this House recognises the bravery of the female and male pilots from the UK, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Sri Lanka, Chile, China, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Eire, Estonia, France, Holland, India, Malaya, Mauritius, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Siam, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland and the USA who served in the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) during World War II ferrying Spitfires and other war planes from factories to airfields, and between airfields; deeply regrets the loss of life of pilots like record-breaking Amy Johnson during her service in the ATA; congratulates the Government on giving consideration to a badge of honour for all the survivors of the ATA; and expresses its appreciation to the ATA Association and to Giles Whittell for highlighting the feats of many of these pilots in his book Spitfire Women of World War II.

Signatures by party: Labour 65, Liberal Democrat 19, Conservative 18, DUP 3, Scottish National Party 2, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1.