By The Nexus Gazette.
19th August, 2024.
Cambridge, England: Richarda “Dikki” Morrow-Tait, the pioneering aviator who became the first woman to fly around the world, has been honored with a blue plaque in Cambridge, 75 years after completing her historic journey. This prestigious recognition celebrates the extraordinary achievements of a woman whose daring spirit and perseverance broke barriers in the male-dominated field of aviation.
Richarda’s incredible journey began in 1948 when she took off from Cambridge Airport, fueled by a passion for flying and a firm belief that women could achieve anything men could—and more. Her quest to circumnavigate the globe by air was not only a personal mission but also a bold statement about the capabilities of women at a time when such feats were almost unheard of.
Richarda Morrow-Tait learned to fly while still in school, and her love for aviation quickly grew into a determination to make history. On August 18, 1948, she embarked on her round-the-world flight from Cambridge Airport, accompanied by navigator Michael Townsend. Their adventure was expected to last six to eight weeks, but the journey stretched into a year and a day, concluding on August 19, 1949.
The flight was anything but smooth. Richarda encountered numerous challenges that would have deterred most, but her determination saw her through.
Richarda faced significant obstacles during her journey:
- A minor crash in France right at the beginning of her journey.
- A nine-week delay in India due to the need for critical parts.
- A forced landing in Japan that added to the challenges.
- A major crash in Alaska’s snow-covered wilderness, which could have ended her journey.
Despite these setbacks, Richarda’s resolve never wavered. After the crash in Alaska, her aircraft, “Thursday’s Child,” was beyond repair. Undeterred, she spent months fundraising for a new plane by giving lectures, participating in radio interviews, and even performing in a nightclub. Her relentless efforts paid off, and she continued her journey in a new plane named “Next Thursday’s Child.”
Her belief that women could excel in any field fueled her determination to complete the circumnavigation, making her a trailblazer for women in aviation and beyond.
Richarda Morrow-Tait’s accomplishments remained largely uncelebrated for decades, partly due to a high-profile divorce that overshadowed her groundbreaking flight. However, her legacy as a pioneering aviator has now been cemented with the unveiling of a blue plaque at Cambridge Airport, where her historic journey began.
The plaque is located on Chesterton Road, where Richarda lived during her flight, and serves as a permanent tribute to her extraordinary achievement. This honor not only commemorates Richarda’s place in history but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of women aviators and adventurers.
Richarda’s story is a powerful reminder that with determination, perseverance, and courage, the sky truly is the limit. Her legacy continues to inspire, proving that barriers are meant to be broken.
Resources:
1.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9v8e1nkxwyo
2.https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9v8e1nkxwyo
3.https://headtopics.com/uk/cambridge-plaque-honours-first-woman-to-fly-around-the-world-57612879