ATA Girl is a drama inspired by the real women of the Air Transport Auxiliary during WWII. From the UK and beyond, a hundred and sixty eight female pilots, alongside the men, transported a vast range of aircraft from the factories to the squadrons, sometimes flying in perilous weather conditions and without radios or instrument instruction. One in ten ATA pilots died. Told as a series of reminiscences from (fictitious) former pilot Amelia Curtis, the stories aim to honour these unsung heroes of WWII, whose shared passion for flying contributed so much to the war effort and who represented one of the first examples of ‘equality in the work place’ for women in the UK. 1.1 Up in the Air by Gemma Page It’s March 1944 and young widow Daphne Coyne arrives at the Air Transport Auxiliary, having signed up to train as a new pilot. Already unsure of her decision, she is shocked to find that her estranged younger sister, Rebecca, has also joined the ATA, hoping for a chance of reconciliation. As Daphne grows close to her flying instructor, the injured former RAF pilot, David, and discovers an unexpected passion for flying, the two sisters try to navigate their broken relationship. But David has family trapped in Belgium and Daphne has a plan that could jeopardise all of their futures… 1.2 Dancing With A Spitfire by Victoria Saxton In 1942, Glamorous ‘It Girl’, Second Officer Mina Lauderdale is enjoying her work with the ATA, flying her aircraft recklessly and living up to her nickname, ‘The Wildcard’! However, amidst all of the press attention, the partying and the endless flirting, Mina is secretly running away from an unwanted destiny. It’s only when she meets outspoken US pilot Jeanette that Mina finally begins to discover her true self and face up to the reality of who she wants to be. 1.3 Flying Blind by Helen Goldwyn 1942-43, Judith Heathcote has been with the ATA since the start and is one of the few mothers in the Corps. With her husband ‘missing presumed dead’ and her daughter living with her parents, Judith is beginning to question the sacrifices she’s making for the war effort. Seen as a maternal figure by many of her colleagues, it seems that Judith looks out for everyone but herself. So when a chance of happiness arises, she seizes upon it, only to find herself caught up in a series of events that propel her towards an unthinkable solution. 1.4 Grounded by Jane Slavin It’s early 1945. The end of the war is closer than the pilots realise, but meanwhile there is an unexpected air raid to contend with. When the sirens sound at the ATA ferry pool, the women have to find a way to protect themselves and each other: some making it to the bomb shelter, whilst others are trapped above. Elsewhere, RAF pilot Walter (already traumatised by his war experience) has come to seek solace with ATA pilot Amelia. She and her best friend Widdley, do their best to comfort him, but with war still raging around them, they are reminded of losses suffered... and losses still to come… PLEASE NOTE: ATA Girl contains adult material and is not suitable for younger listeners. Written By: Gemma Page, Victoria Saxton, Helen Goldwyn, Jane Slavin Directed By: Louise Jameson Cast Alicia Ambrose-Bayly (Amelia), Anna Andresen (Daphne), Matt Barber (Walter Richardson / Daniel), Nathalie Buscombe (Judith), Tor Clark (Rebecca), Kate Copeland (Pauline Gower), Oliver Dimsdale (David Stein / Cadet), John Dorney (Nurse Norris / Major Charlie Blackthorn / Roger), Amy Downham (Tilly / Operations Officer), Nigel Fairs (Freddie / Norman / Mr Thomas), Helen Goldwyn (Chile / Anna Leska / Elizabeth Bryant), Holly Jackson Walters (Felicity / Jackie Cochran / Billet Mate), Louise Jameson (Rose), Gemma Page (Dorothy Fury / Barbara), Lucy Pickles (Widdley), Lydia Piechowiak (Susan De Winter), Jess Robinson (Jeanette), Jane Slavin (Mrs Cook), David Warwick (Harry / Mervyn Symms), Matthew Wellman (Eric / Flight Captain Bryant), Claire Wyatt (Mina). Other parts played by members of the cast.

ATA Girl is a drama inspired by the real women of the Air Transport Auxiliary during WWII. From the UK and beyond, 168 female pilots, alongside the men, transported a vast range of aircraft from the factories to the squadrons, sometimes flying in perilous weather conditions and without radios or instrument instruction. One in ten ATA pilots died. Following on from the first quartet of stories, the female pilots of the Air Transport Auxiliary find themselves caught up in one of the most historic air raids of WWII, alongside a more personal drama that ends in tragedy. Later, despite the end of the war being in sight, the 'battles' more close to home continue; the disappearance of a pilot remains unresolved and it seems that a terrible crime may go unpunished. The Hardest Day by Helen Goldwyn 18th August 1940. What begins as a routine ferry assignment to Kenley Airfield becomes one of the most dramatic days of WWII, when a vast German raid descends upon the base. Led by commander Pauline Gower, the pilots (some familiar, some new) are tasked with saving as many aircraft as they can and a race against time - and the enemy - ensues. Back at base, ambitious First Officer Henry Lloyd and war photographer, Faith, help survivors, but during the mayhem, an horrific crime is perpetrated... and it seems the culprit will never be brought to justice. Au Revoir by Louise Jameson 1944-45. Paris has been liberated and the allies are gaining ground at last. The ATA women see in the new year with the hope of peace in the sight, but there are still old mysteries to be solved and painful losses to endure. Will they ever find out what happened to one of their missing pilots and can hard-nosed pilot Felicity repay the dangerous debt she owes? Meanwhile, a friendship between newly engaged Rhiannon and black Canadian pilot, Gabriel, creates waves of disapproval, but Rhiannon is in more danger than anyone realises. Her war has only just begun.