Elly Beinhorn

Elly Beinhorn born 1907 in Hanover, Germany. She was looking for adventure and found it when friends took her to a lecture by a German pilot who had recently flown across the Atlantic. She knew flying was for her.

Related Topics:
1907 - Hanover - Germany

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At just 21 years old she had a little money from an inheritance and agains the wishes of her parents moved to Spandau in Berlin and learnt to fly at a local flying school. She had learnt to fly solo about the time her money was running out and it was suggested she give aerobatic displays.

Related Topics:
Spandau - Berlin

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Long distance flying was her real passion and landing in Sydney, Australia on 24th March 1931 she became only the second woman to fly from Europe to Australia flying a Klemm plane.

Related Topics:
Sydney - Australia - 1931 - Europe

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Back in Europe, famous but hugely in debt she was surprised to be awarded the Hindenburg Cup and 10,000 marks and several other monetary awards from the German aeronautical industry which helped her continue her career. She went on to fly a Messerschmidt 108 which she nicknamed 'Taifun' or 'Typhoon' a name the manufacturer retained.

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On the 29th September 1935 she was invited on to the podium to congratulate the winner of the Czech Grand Prix, a young Bernd Rosemeyer. They were married a year later on 13th July 1936 a true celebrity couple, the adventurous aviatrix and the fearless racing driver they were the toast of Germany.

Related Topics:
1935 - Bernd Rosemeyer

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Unfortunately Heinrich Himmler liked them too and he commanded Bernd to become a member of the SS.

Related Topics:
Heinrich Himmler - SS

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Elly had a son Bernd Jr in November 1937 but just ten weeks later her husband was killed attempting a speed record in his Auto Union streamliner. She requested that no political situation be made over her husband's death but an officer began speaking by the graveside at Bernd's funeral and Elly just walked away.

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In 1941 Elly remarried to Dr. Wittman, and they had a daughter, Stephanie.

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After the war she moved to Switzerland because Germany was not allowed powered planes. She continued flying until she was 51 years old. It is believed she is still alive and living in Germany as of September 2005.

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