Jean Batten's world record solo flight to NZ
A DigitalNZ Story by Zokoroa
On 16 October 1936, Jean Batten achieved her world record solo flight from England to NZ. This Story celebrates her success and her solo women's records to Australia & South America during 1934-1937.
Jean Batten, Pilots, Aviator, Aviatrix, Planes, Aeroplanes, Airplanes, Flight, World record, Women, Famous New Zealanders, World record, Charles Kingsford Smith
Rotorua-born Jean Batten (1909–1982) is celebrated internationally for her world record solo flight from England to NZ, arriving in Auckland on 16 October 1936. She had flown 22,891 kms in 11 days 45 mins, including 2.5 days in Sydney. Her world record time was unbroken for 44 years. Jean's achievements also included being the first woman to complete a return trip from London to Australia (1934/35), and the fastest person and first woman to fly across the South Atlantic to South America (1935). Her last long distance flight was in 1937, when she flew from Australia to England in record-breaking time.
On 16 Oct 1936, Jean Batten achieved the world record as the first person to fly solo from England to NZ
Flew 22,891 kms in 11 days 45 min, including 2.5 days in Sydney, aboard her Percival Gull Six monoplane
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
Pocket compass & case used by Jean for world record flight to NZ
She had flown to NZ from England via Europe, Middle East, Asia, & Australia
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
Jean was welcomed at Auckland by a crowd of 6000
She had left Kent, England, at 4.20 am on 5 Oct 1936 & arrived at Māngere Aerodrome about 5pm on 16 Oct
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Commentary prior to & during the arrival of Jean, including her speech, aircraft & crowd sounds (10 min 6 sec)
Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
Jean Batten holding flowers being guided by police officers & other officials
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Rotorua-born Jean was made an honorary rangitane (chieftainess) by Te Arawa
She was given a kahu huruhuru (feather cloak) & conferred with the title Hine-o-te-Rangi – "Daughter of the Skies"
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
Jean became known as "The Garbo of the Skies"
She was also first woman to fly the return trip from England to Australia (1934/35), & fastest to South America (1935)
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Display of Jean Batten books by the NZ Association of Women in Aviation at the Shirley Library, 2013
Christchurch City Libraries
Notable solo flights
8 - 23 May 1934: England–Australia (solo women's record) 16,900 kilometres (10,500 miles) in 14 days 22 hours 30 minutes, breaking Amy Johnson's record set on 24 May 1930 by over four days.
8 - 29 April 1935: Australia–England (solo women's record) in 17 days 16 hours 15 minutes. As well as setting the solo women's record for the return flight from Australia to England, Jean became the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia and back again.
11 - 13 November 1935: England–Brazil (world record for any type of aeroplane): 8,000 km (5,000 miles) in 61 hours 15 minutes. Also fastest crossing South Atlantic Ocean in 13 hours 15 minutes, and first woman to fly from England–South America.
5 - 16 October 1936: England–New Zealand (world record): 22,891 km (14,224 miles) in 11 days 45 minutes, including two days 12 hours in Sydney. World record for being first person. Jean's time of just over 11 days stood unbroken for 44 years.
19 - 24 October 1937: Australia–England (solo records): 5 days 18 hours 15 minutes, giving Jean solo records simultaneously in both directions. This was Jean's last long-distance flight. (Jean was 28 years old.)
Video (1988): Jean Batten: The Garbo of the skies (52 min)
Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
EARLY YEARS & INTEREST IN FLYING
Jean, whose birth name was Jane Gardner Batten, was born in Rotorua on 15 Sept 1909 to Ellen (Nellie) & Fred, a dentist
Nellie née Blackmore (born Invercargill, 21 Oct 1876) & Frederick (born Wellington, 12 Oct 1879) were married in 1900
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Jean had three older brothers. Frederick Harold was born on 3 Sept 1901 in Wellington.
After moving to Rotorua, John Edward was born (3 April 1903), followed by Stanley in 1904 who died soon after birth
Alexander Turnbull Library
A photo of French pilot Louis Bleriot had been pinned on the wall next to Jean's crib in 1909 by her mother
On 25 July 1909, Bleriot was the first pilot across the English Channel & flew from Calais to Dover
Auckland Libraries
In 1913, the family moved to Auckland where Fred joined London Dental Institute as a dentist & they lived in Grey Lynn
The site of their former home in Rotorua is commemorated with a plaque on a building at 1242-1246 Amohia St
Auckland Libraries
Jean had begun her schooling at Melmerley Collegiate School, a private girls' school in Parnell
Mother Nellie acted in local theatre productions, organised rollerskating contests, & captained women's rowing club
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
![Image: [1 NZEF training.]](https://thumbnailer.digitalnz.org/?resize=770x&src=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.api.aucklandmuseum.com%2Fid%2Fmedia%2Fp%2F6920cd0fc008c24e58a100bf70378797206f13a1%3Frendering%3Dstandard.jpg&resize=368%253E "[1 NZEF training.]")
From 24 July 1917 to Oct 1918, Jean's father Fred served with NZEF 28th Reinforcements E Company
He was a Captain in NZ Dental Corps & was also on troop ship 'Ionic' as dentist to the soldiers en route to England
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
Due to financial hardship with Fred serving overseas, Jean's family moved to Remuera & she attended Remuera Primary
Auckland Libraries
During WWI, Jean’s mother Nellie took her to Mission Bay to see the Walsh brothers’ flying boats
The flying boats were used to train pilots for war service & inspired Jean to learn to fly according to her memoirs
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When Fred returned from serving overseas in Oct 1918, he set up a dental practice in Birkenhead
Later, the family moved from Devonport to live at Epsom & Fred set up a dental practice in Vulcan Lane
Auckland Libraries
Her parents separated in 1920, & Jean lived with her mother in Howick & attended the Convent School
Harold had left home & John lived with their father near his dental practice at Vulcan Lane off Queen St
Auckland Libraries
Harold travelled to NSW where he met Alma Byers & they married in 1922. They settled in NZ where he became a farmer.
They had two children born in NZ: Frederick Harold (b. 28 May 1923) & Isobel Bessie (b. 23 May 1927)
National Library of New Zealand
From 1922-1924, Jean boarded at the Ladies College with fees paid by her father
Meanwhile, John went on his OE to Australia & United States & became a film extra in 'The Ten Commandments' (1923)
Alexander Turnbull Library
After attending the 4th Form, Jean (aged 15 years) went to secretariat college
She also studied piano & ballet to become a professional performer, & became an assistant teacher at the ballet school
Auckland Libraries
In May 1927, media reports of Charles Lindbergh’s solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean sparked Jean's interest
National Library of New Zealand
Jean’s interest rekindled in Feb 1928, when Bert Hinkler was 1st person to fly solo from England to Australia in 18 days
3 months later, a plane also flew from San Francisco to Australia with Kingsford Smith & 3 others aboard
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On 11 Sept 1928, Charles Kingsford Smith flew the first Trans-Tasman flight from Australia to NZ on the 'Southern Cross'
Jean's father took her to the Auckland reception, & she said to a bemused Kingsford Smith "I'm going to learn to fly"
Palmerston North City Library
In 1929, Jean's mother took her on holiday to Sydney & arranged for her to fly with Kingsford Smith
Auckland Libraries
Dec 1930: Gained pilot's license in London
After returning home from her Sydney flight with Charles Kingsford Smith, Jean was keen to take up flying as a career. However, her father regarded being a pilot an unsuitable career for a woman and flying too dangerous. Instead, he wanted Jean to continue with her studies to become a professional pianist or dancer and, accordingly, wouldn't pay for flying lessons.
Encouraged by her mother, Jean decided to pursue taking flying lessons in England. To raise funds, Jean sold her piano for their fares on the RMS Otranto and Nellie sold some property. In early 1930, both Jean and her mother set sail for London. Some biographical accounts state that her father thought the trip to London was for Jean to attend the Royal College of Music and he gave Jean and Nellie a weekly allowance to help support them financially. However, Jean claims in her autobiography 'Alone in the sky' (1979, p.6) that her father knew of her real intentions for going to London. (Source: Wikipedia: Jean Batten)
Early 1930, Jean & her mother sailed to London for Jean to gain her 'A' license at London Aeroplane Club (LAC)
Jean sold her piano for their fares on the RMS Otranto, Nellie sold some property & Fred gave them a weekly allowance
National Library of New Zealand
After arriving in London, Jean joined the London Aeroplane Club (LAC) at the Stag Lane Aerodrome. During May 1930, Amy Johnson, who also had flight training at the LAC, had successfully flown from England to Australia setting a 19.5 hour women's record, which spurred Jean to do better.
Jean gained her pilot's 'A' licence on 5 December 1930, after accumulating the required three hours of solo flying time. Her limited funds had enabled her to only take short flights two to three times a week. Whilst in London, Jean and her mother were also able to see John who had moved there to continue his work in film acting and he also became a radio broadcaster.
In May 1930, Amy Johnson was 1st woman to fly from England to Australia in 19.5 days, which spurred Jean to do better
Jean gained pilot's 'A' license on 5 Dec 1930. Jean & her mother also visited John who'd become a film actor in London.
National Library of New Zealand
Returned to NZ and gained 'A' passenger license, 1931
Spurred on by Amy Johnson's achievement, Jean was keen to acquire her own plane to attempt to better Amy's solo women's record. To raise funds, Jean and her mother returned to NZ in January 1931. Her father then agreed to support her flying ambition and paid for lessons in navigation. Jean joined the Auckland Aero Club in Māngere and gained her 'A' license to carry passengers. In mid-1931, Jean decided to seek a 'B' license at the LAC in order to qualify as a commercial pilot as this might aid her credibility with potential sponsors to purchase a plane. To obtain the license she needed to accumulate 100 hours of solo flying time of which she had already achieved 30 hours training for her 'A' licenses. When her brother John visited NZ in-between his acting roles in London, he paid for her fare to return by herself to London aboard the SS Rotorua in May 1931.
Jean & her mother Nellie returned to NZ in Jan 1931 & Jean gained her NZ 'A' license to carry passengers
In mid-1931, she decided to seek a 'B' commercial license at the LAC to enhance prospects of receiving sponsorship
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
When visiting NZ in-between film roles, John financed Jean to return by herself on SS Rotorua to London in July 1931
John married Madeleine Murat in 1932, & when film work became scarce, lived with their daughter in Tahiti from mid-1930s
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
Studied for 'B' commercial license at LAC, mid-1931 - 1932
In May 1931, Jean left for London aboard the SS Rotorua. She began training for her 'B' commercial license at the LAC. During 1932, Jean also received help with navigation training from Kiwi pilot Fred Truman who was also studying for his 'B' license. Jean and her mother had first met Fred aboard their ship when sailing back to NZ from London in January 1931. Fred was on leave from the Royal Air Force based in British India, and Jean struck up a friendship with him when he began flying at the Auckland Aero Club during his military leave. After Fred left the RAF he had gone to London in 1932 where they renewed their acquaintance at the LAC. Some accounts state that Truman had given Jean a £500 loan to pay for her training, whereas Jean wrote in her autobiography that her mother had paid the necessary costs. After completing the required 100 hours of flying, Jean gained her commercial 'B' license in December 1932. (Source: Wikipedia: Jean Batten)
After returning to London in July 1931, Jean gained commercial 'B' license in Dec 1932 (Photo: Jean at Stag Lane, 1933)
When completing 100 hour flight training, Jean received some tutoring from Kiwi friend Fred Truman (former RAF pilot)
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1st two England-Australia Attempts unsuccessful
Jean's first unsuccessful solo attempt: April 1933
In early 1933, Jean began making preparations to fly solo from England to Australia in a Gypsy Moth plane
(Plane bought for £400 with help of friend Victor Dorée & registered under their names, to share any future grants etc)
National Library of New Zealand
On 9 April 1933, Jean left Lympne Airport where she was seen off by her mother & members of the LAC
Jean intended to fly to Australia via Europe, Middle East, India, & SE Asia before landing at Darwin
National Library of New Zealand
Jean's first stop was at Rome which was the 1st solo flight for a woman from England to Italy
Made stops at Naples, Athens & Aleppo, & flew into sandstorms near Baghdad & Karachi, requiring propellor to be replaced
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After engine trouble near Karachi, the plane was damaged when it flipped over on landing - ending Jean's solo attempt
Castrol oil company chairman financed Jean to sail back to England in early May where she sold her damaged plane
National Library of New Zealand
Jean becomes engaged to Londoner Edward Walter, early 1934
When back in England, Jean sold her damaged Gipsy Moth to the Brooklands Flying Club which intended to repair it. After unsuccessfully seeking financial assistance from aviation companies and newspapers, Jean was able to obtain sponsorship funding from the Castrol oil company who granted her £400. She purchased a secondhand Gipsy Moth that was five years old for £240. Jean kept the plane at the Brooklands aerodrome in Surrey, and lived nearby with her mother. In early 1934, Jean met pilot Edward Walter, a London stockbroker, who also flew a Gipsy Moth which he kept at the same airport being used by Jean. They became engaged during Jean's preparations to attempt her second solo flight from England to Australia.
In early 1934, after purchasing a 2d hand Gipsy Moth, Jean met & became engaged to pilot Edward Walter, a stockbroker
Jean had purchased the Gipsy Moth for £240 after receiving £400 funding sponsorship from the Castrol oil company
National Library of New Zealand
Jean's second unsuccessful solo attempt: April 1934
On 21 April 1934, Jean set off again for Australia but flew into heavy rain, & ran out of fuel over Rome & crash-landed
After repairing the plane, including using propellor sent from Walter's plane, Jean arrived back at Brooklands on 6 May
Hocken Collections - Uare Taoka o Hākena, University of Otago
Success!! Notable flights:
8 - 23 May 1934: England–Australia (solo women's record)
The solo flight record of seven days, five hours was achieved by Charles Kingsford-Smith the previous year. Jean succeeded in bettering the solo women's record of 19.5 days set in May 1930 by Amy Johnson, by arriving in Darwin in 14 days and 22.5 hours.
Newspapers reported on Jean Batten about to depart on her third attempt to fly to Australia during May 1934
Media called Jean the "Try Again Girl" in her attempt to beat Amy Johnson's women's record of 19.5 days set in May 1930
National Library of New Zealand
On 8 May 1934, Jean set off in her De Havilland Gipsy Moth to fly from England to Darwin
The plane's lowers wings were borrowed from her fiance Edward Walter's plane
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After reaching Rangoon, she flew into a monsoon storm & managed to land at Singapore before continuing on to Darwin
Jean wore a leather helmet & goggles to protect her face & a thick flying suit & gloves for warmth
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On 23 May 1934, Jean reached Darwin in 14 days & 22.5 hours, breaking Amy Johnson's record by over 4 days
"Jeanius" proclaimed Fleet St.
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Jean sent a cable to her mother "Darling, we’ve done it. The aeroplane, you, me".
Europeana
Jean at Darwin with Captain Bird & Ron Adair
When the weather was hot, Jean wore a cotton flying suit
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Jean attended public receptions in Australia for four weeks
After staying the night In Darwin, Jean made several publicity stops in Queensland on the way to Sydney
The journey took a week, with a delay in Queensland due to engine trouble
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During her trip across Queensland, Jean publicised in an interview her engagement to Walter
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To capitalise on Jean’s publicity, Castrol's chairman Charles Wakefield arranged for a Castrol sticker on Jean's plane
Wakefield also organised for an escort plane to accompany Jean to Sydney & gave her £1,000
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Jean arrived at the Mascot aerodrome (now called Sydney Airport) on 30 May to a waiting crowd of 5,000 people
Public receptions were held over the next 4 weeks with Jean hosted by the Australian Government before she toured NZ
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Jean given black kitten "for luck" which she named Buddy & took on tour
When in Sydney, Jean was asked if she had a special mascot and she replied:
No I did not carry any special mascots, although I treasured specially a little Australian flag, a small Union Jack and a Maori mascot.
Later, on 8 June 1934 Jean met a group of ex-servicemen at the Prince of Wales Military Hospital in Randwick, Sydney. They presented her with a small black kitten ‘for luck’ which Jean named ‘Buddy’. Thereafter, Buddy accompanied Jean during her four week tour of Australia which included a train journey to Melbourne (11 June) and flights to Canberra (15 June) and Brisbane (17 June). For the flight to Brisbane, she flew her own Gipsy Moth plane with Buddy reportedly aboard in the plane’s luggage, and they were met by a crowd of 25,000 people.
Source: 'Jean Batten and Buddy the cat', URL: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/interactive/jean-batten-and-buddy, (Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 28-Jan-2021
Accompanying Jean on her tour was her black cat she'd named Buddy which had been gifted in Sydney
She had met ex-servicemen at the Prince of Wales Military Hospital in Randwick, who gave the cat for 'good luck'
MTG Hawke's Bay
Jean toured New Zealand for 6 weeks from late June 1934
In late June 1934, Jean & her black cat Buddy travelled from Sydney to Auckland by the ship Aorangi
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Jean's Gipsy Moth was also aboard the Aorangi for her 6 week aerial tour of NZ
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Jean's plane was shipped over courtesy of the Union Steam Ship Company
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Jean, Auckland Mayor George Hutchison & Jean's father Frederick at Auckland Town Hall civic reception (25 June 1934)
While Jean & her cat Buddy were in NZ they were looked after by NZ manager of Castrol Oil, Bob Smillie & his wife Doris
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Jean was provided with daily forecasts from the New Zealand Meterological Office & sent a letter of thanks
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Jean with a bouquet of flowers waving from beside her aircraft
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
Jean wearing a flower wreath around her neck and holding a bunch of flowers
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Pictured (left) with Governor-General Lord & Lady Bledisloe at Rongotai airport, Wellington
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Reception at the Town Hall, Wellington
Alexander Turnbull Library
30 June 1934: After the opening of Parliament - Jean standing second on right
Jean received a grant of £500 from the New Zealand Government which also hosted her at Government House
National Library of New Zealand
On 4 July 1934, Jean's mother also joined Jean in touring NZ, having sailed on the Rangitiki from England
National Library of New Zealand
Jean's Gipsy Moth plane on exhibition in the Town Hall, Wellington
Inset: Jean and her mother Nellie
National Library of New Zealand
1934: Lapel pin from Hawkes Bay & East Coast Aero Club believed to have been presented to Jean
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Jean Batten visiting Bridge Pa is pictured with Mrs Adamson of Hastings, who is more than 100 years old
During her tour, people could take £1 joyrides in her Gipsy Moth & she gave paid lectures
Hawke's Bay Knowledge Bank
1 Aug 1934: Jean flew into Te Rapa Aerodrome where crowd of about 200 people & Mayor John Fow (2d right) welcomed her
Jean met Dr Mary Douglas who, at the time, was Waikato's only woman pilot
Hamilton City Libraries
12 Aug 1934: Jean (holding her cat Buddy) and C.E. Daniell beside a DH60 Moth at Hood Aerodrome, Masterton
Wairarapa Archive
Aug 1934?: Jean Batten and Captain Gerald Stedman looking at papers possibly at Hawera
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Aug 1934: Jean holding her cat Buddy whilst leaning on the wing of her Gipsy Moth G-AARB at Rongotai Airport, Wellington
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Another photo of Jean holding Buddy
MTG Hawke's Bay
Aug 1934: Jean Batten sitting inside her Gipsy Moth at Rongotai Airport, Wellington
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Jean travelled to Sydney (Sept 1934), becomes newly engaged, & publishes 'Solo flight'
In Sept 1934 Jean sailed to Sydney, & later that year met 23 yr old Beverley Shepherd training to be a commercial pilot
When Shepherd proposed, Jean agreed to marry him. She wrote to Walter ending their engagement in March 1935.
Hocken Collections - Uare Taoka o Hākena, University of Otago
Jean’s book 'Solo flight' about her record-breaking flight was published by Jackson & O'Sullivan Ltd in Sydney in 1934
(Evening Post article: A copy was purchased by Wellington Public Libraries)
National Library of New Zealand
1934: Lapel pin from Narromine Aero Club in Australia, commemorating Life Membership of Jean Batten
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In Dec 1934, the Challenge trophy was awarded by Women's International Association of Aeronautics, USA
National Library of New Zealand
12 - 29 April 1935: Australia–England (solo women's record)
In April 1935, Jean began preparations to fly her Gipsy Moth back to England. The first woman to fly solo from Australia to England was South African born Lores Bonney who was living in Brisbane and was a cousin to aviator Bert Hinkler. On 10 April 1933, Lores (aged 35) flew her Gipsy Moth from Darwin to London and arrived at Croydon Aerodrome on 23 April. The trip, which she had taken mainly for for sight-seeing purposes, had taken two months and 6 days of which she was airborne for 157 hours & 15 mins and had flown 20,000kms. (Source: Kristen Alexander & Josephine Sargent, 'Lores Bonney: the forgotten aviatrix", Australian geographic, 6 March 2017)
On 8 March 1935, Jean flew from Darwin to England in 17 days, 16 hours and 15 minutes, setting a new solo women's record from Australia to England. Accordingly, Jean also became the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia and back again.
8 March 1935, Jean at Mascot Aerodrome, Sydney about to take off to fly to Darwin to prepare for solo flight to England
Jean left her cat Buddy in the care of her fiance Shepherd who'd accompanied her in his plane part-way to Darwin
National Library of New Zealand
During the flight to England, Jean’s plane was slowed by head winds over West Africa and the engine stopped over the Timor Sea, but she restarted it mid-air. After further engine problems over Italy, a mechanic cleaned the fuel system at one of her stops suspecting dust. However, the engine continued to have problems for the remainder of the journey and the plane had a puncture during another fuelling stop, slowing her arrival at Croyden. Her journey from Darwin had taken 17 days, 16 hours, and five minutes. Although Jean did not set a new world record, she achieved a solo women's record and was still the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia and back again. (Source: Wikipedia: Jean Batten)
Jean departed Darwin on 12 April & arrived in England in 17 days, 16.25 hours on 29 April 1935 - new solo women's record
Jean was also the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia & back again
Rotorua Museum of Art & History Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa
11 - 13 Nov 1935: England–Brazil (world record for any type of aeroplane)
Jean flew 8,000 km (5,000 miles) from England to Brazil in 61 hours 15 minutes, beating the previous record set by Scottish aviator Jim Mollison in 1933 by nearly 24 hours. She was also the fastest person crossing the South Atlantic Ocean between Thies in Senegal to Natal in Brazil in 13 hours 15 minute. Jean was also the first woman to achieve the England–South America flight.
In Nov 1935, Jean took on a new challenge - flying solo from England to South America
She sold her Gipsy Moth & bought a Percival Gull Six monoplane for £1750
National Library of New Zealand
Jean with her Percival Gull G-ADPR at Hatfield Aerodrome
It had an enclosed cabin that seated 3 people & was twice as fast as the Gipsy Moth at 150 miles (240 km) per hour
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11 Nov 1935: Jean about to take off in her Percival Gull named Jean, at Hatfield Aerodrome, England
It had a six-cylinder 200 horsepower de Havilland Gipsy Six engine, electrically operated fuel pumps & starter motor
Europeana
Using a compass, Jean successfully navigated her plane from London to West Africa to Brazil, arriving on 13 Nov
She'd fitted auxiliary fuel tanks, enabling her to fly 2000 miles without refuelling, & a built-in trapdoor toilet
Europeana
Jean completed the journey in 2 days, 13 hours & 15 minutes, beating Jim Morrison's record by almost 24 hours
She was also the first woman to fly across the South Atlantic & the fastest person in just 13 hours & 15 mins
Europeana
Afterwards Jean flew to Rio de Janeiro, Argentina & Uruguay, where she was mobbed by crowds and awarded tributes
Trove
21 Nov 1935: Office of the Order of the Southern Cross, presented to Jean by the Brazilian President Dr Vargas
She was also made an honorary officer in the Brazilian Air Force & presented with a trophy, "The Spirit of Aviation".
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Nov 1935: Medal awarded by Aero Club Argentina Buenos Aires
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1 Dec 1935: Badge awarded by Uruguay Air Force to Jean
Colonel Cristi announced Jean was to be made an officer of the airforce & pinned the badge to her flying-suit
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Arrived back in England (23 Dec 1935) & holidayed overseas (May-June 1936)
After Jean and her Gull arrived back at Southampton on 23 December 1935 aboard the RMS Asturias, she rejoined her mother. They rented a cottage near Hatfield, Hertfordshire. After spending Christmas Day together, Jean flew her Gull to Southampton and crash-landed through engine failure. Whilst waiting for her plane to be repaired, Jean received awards in England and and Paris, including the French Legion of Honour medal on 8 May. Jean and her mother then set off on holiday to Europe and North Africa during May - June in Jean's 3-seater plane. Jean then began planning her next solo flight - from England to New Zealand.
On 23 Dec 1935, Jean arrived at Southampton aboard the RMS Asturias with her Gull, which she crashed after Xmas day
Jean & Nellie rented a cottage in Hertfordshire. When flying to Southampton, Gull crash-landed due to engine failure.
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Whilst waiting several months for her plane to be repaired, Jean received various awards for her achievements in 1935
Awards included the Britannia Trophy from Royal Aero Club of the United Kingdom, & Challenge Trophy for a 2d time
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The Harmon trophy for 1935 was awarded to Jean & Amelia Earhart. Jean also received the trophy in 1936 & 1937.
The bronze medal was awarded by International League of Aviators as "an agent for Peace and National security”
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Jean also visited Paris to receive the French Legion of Honour medal on 8 May 1836
She also received a gold medal presented by the French Academy of Sports & met aviator Louis Blériot
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After her plane was repaired, Jean & her mother went on an aerial holiday to France, Spain & Nth Africa, May-June 1936
Jean flew the 3-seater Gull with her mother aboard. (Photo: Jean & her mother meeting the Spanish Air Force at Seville)
Victoria University of Wellington
14 July 1936: Order of Companion of the British Empire (C.B.E.) medal invested by King Edward VIII at Buckingham Palace
(NZ Prime Minister Michael Joseph Savage had unsuccessfully petitioned Whitehall to make Batten a Dame)
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5 - 16 October 1936: England–New Zealand (World record)
In October 1936, Jean set off on her next long distance solo flight. She left Kent, England on 5 October at 4.20am and arrived in Auckland on 16 October. Jean had flown 22,891 km (14,224 miles) n 11 days 45 minutes, including two days 12 hours in Sydney - a world record for a solo pilot which would stand for 44 years.
At 4.20 a.m. on 5 Oct 1936, Jean Batten left for NZ from Kent, England on her Percival Gull monoplane
Alexander Turnbull Library
Jean would land to refuel or rest at 24 locations across Europe, Middle East, Asia & Australia
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On 11 Oct, Jean arrived in Darwin in 5 days 21 hours – 24 hours faster than the previous record-holder, Jim Broadbent
Jean's father reading a congratulatory telegram for Jean's progress from England
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Jean flew from Darwin to Longreach in Queensland where she stayed the night, & then onto Sydney, arriving on 13 Oct
Britain’s the Daily Mail congratulated her with 'Bravo Bonny Jean'
Waitaki District Council
Jean being welcomed at Sydney. The Sydney Sun newspaper heralded Jean as 'Empress of the Air".
When in Sydney, Jean was also reunited with her fiance Shepherd who was now an airline captain
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Jean spent 2 days & 12 hours at Sydney resting & waiting for weather to improve to fly to NZ
Her mother sent her a cable, "I am confident you will succeed" which lifted her spirits
Alexander Turnbull Library
Jean arriving in the skies over Auckland after leaving Sydney's Richmond Aerodrome on 16 Oct at 6.30am (NZ time)
When people were concerned for her safety, Jean had said, "If I go down in the sea, no one must fly out to look for me."
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Jean landed at Auckland's Māngere Aerodrome about 5 pm, 10½ hours after leaving Sydney
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The flight from England to NZ had taken 11 days 45 minutes
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Jean Batten waving to crowd at Māngere, Auckland
Jean reportedly had a ‘small toy cat’ with her which was possibly given in Australia as a mascot
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Audio of Jean speaking after arriving at the airport (1 min 48 sec)
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Jean was greeted by her father Fred (middle photo)
After father's hug, "It's good to be home," she smiled; & told the crowd, it was "the very greatest moment of my life."
National Library of New Zealand
A welcome cup of tea held at the Aerodrome (Jean's father is standing behind her)
Auckland Libraries
Jean being welcomed by the Auckland Mayor Sir Ernest Davis
The Mayor also announced the naming of "Jean Batten Place" in her honour
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
Jean then toured NZ by car & train to hold lectures & attend public receptions
Photo: Jean Batten with Otago Aero Club members at Taieri, Dunedin
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To aid Jean, fundraising included receiving portion of Māngere airport parking fees, & an entry fee to view her plane
A public subscription raised over £2,000, & Jean also signed autographs, including her book, for 1 shilling
Auckland Libraries
Jean photographed on tour wearing her white flying helmet
Alexander Turnbull Library
Jean’s white leather flying helmet is held by MOTAT
Cream silk/satin lining, leather chin strap with silver metal buckle on left, & flaps secured using white domed closure
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When the tour reached Christchurch, Jean spent several days in November resting at Franz Josef
As she had become physically exhausted, Jean took medical advice to rest & cancelled remaining tour dates in Nov
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Jean meets her mother in Sydney & both journey to NZ, Nov 1936
At the end of Nov 1936, Jean went to Sydney to meet her mother who'd left England on hearing about Jean's health
While awaiting her mother's arrival, Jean was reunited with her fiance Shepherd. Then Jean & her mother journeyed to NZ.
Alexander Turnbull Library
24 Dec 1936: Letter of thanks from Jean to Miss Kate Ashton at the Auckland Town Hall for her secretarial services
Kate had helped Jean deal with the large amount of correspondence received after her record-breaking flight
MOTAT
Enclosed in Jean's letter was a small, rectangular piece of aviation fabric with autograph of Jean Batten
Written in dark ink is: 'Jean Batten / 1936'.
MOTAT
On 26 Dec 1936, Jean was greeted at combined Māori & civic ceremony at her birthplace of Rotorua
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
Jean was given a chief's kahu huruhuru (feather cloak) & conferred with title Hine-o-te-Rangi – "Daughter of the Skies"
(Photo: Jean & Guide Bella greeting each other with a hongi)
Alexander Turnbull Library
1936: The Segrave Trophy with the inscription: "Imagination - Courage - Initiative"
She was also awarded Royal Aero Club's Britannia Trophy & the Harmon Trophy again
MOTAT
1936: Blind Flying Challenge Cup presented by Lady Hay, President of Women's International Association of Aeronautics
MOTAT
Jean & mother sail from NZ to Sydney (16 Feb 1937) & fiance dies in plane crash
On 16 Feb 1937, Jean set sail for Sydney on the Awatea with her Percival Gull plane on board
National Library of New Zealand
Accompanying Jean to Sydney was her mother Nellie
Jean had pre-arranged to meet with fiance Shepherd who intended flying from Brisbane to Sydney to see her
National Library of New Zealand
On arriving in Sydney on 19 Feb, Jean received the news the plane Shepherd was co-piloting was overdue from Brisbane
Plane had crashed & he was amongst those killed. A grieving Jean & her mother stayed in Sydney for the next 8 months.
National Library of New Zealand
19 - 24 Oct 1937: Australia–England (solo records) (Jean's last long-distance flight)
In September 1937, Jean heard that Harry Frank "Jim" Broadbent was going to attempt to break her solo record for the England-Australia flight. He had already achieved the solo record for flying from Australia to England of 6 days, 8 hours and 25 minutes on 27 April 1937. Jean decided she wanted to better Broadbent's record from Australia to England where he had flown from Darwin to the Lympne Aerodrome.
Jean flew from Sydney to Darwin on 12 October 1937, to prepare for her flight back to England. On 19 October, she flew from Darwin to London in 5 days 18 hours 15 minutes - establishing a solo record (for pilots of either sex), and becoming the first person to hold simultaneously England–Australia solo records in both directions.
This was her last long-distance flight. Jean was aged 28 years.
On 12 Oct 1937, Jean flew to Darwin to prepare for her departure for England on 19 Oct
Jean wanted to better Jim Broadbent's record of 6 days, 8 hours & 25 mins which he had set on 27 April 1937
Alexander Turnbull Library
19 Oct 1937: Custom clearance document from Darwin
Meanwhile, Jean's mother had departed from Sydney for London, so that she could greet Jean when she arrived
Victoria University of Wellington
On 23 Oct 1937, Jean's plane was diverted from Rome to Naples due to bad weather
MOTAT
Exhausted from flying through the storm, on landing she had to be bodily lifted from the cockpit & given stimulants
MOTAT
Jean stayed overnight in Naples
She sent 200 word reports daily to Frank Packer of Australian Consolidated Press in return for sponsoring her
MOTAT
Jean's plane being serviced in Naples before departing for London via Marseilles
MOTAT
On 24 Oct 1937, Jean left Naples and arrived in England
Auckland Libraries
The flight from Australia to England took 5 days, 18 hours & 15 mins - a solo record for pilots of either sex
Europeana
Jean also became the first person to hold simultaneously England–Australia solo records in both directions
MOTAT
(Postscript: Jim Broadbent was unsuccessful in his first two solo flight attempts to reach Australia when he departed England on 18 Oct 1937 and on 12 March 1938. On his 3rd attempt, he left the Lympne Aerodrome on 16 April 1938 and arrived at Darwin in the world record time of 5 days, 4 hours & 21 minutes. Source: Wikipedia: Harry Frank Broadbent)
After arriving at Lympne Aerodrome, Jean took off again for Croydon, at the time London's international airport
Europeana
A large crowd of 10,000 was present to greet Jean, including her mother
Jim Broadbent sent a cable of congratulations which was also awaiting her
Europeana
Newspapers extolled her achievement. One headlined its first page as "The Girl Who Has Beaten All The Men"
MOTAT
A publicity tour followed with Jean attending various banquets & receptions whilst staying at the Grosvenor Hotel
(Photo: Lunch menu of the Holborn Chamber of Commerce, London in honour of Jean Batten)
MOTAT
1937: King George VI Coronation Medal awarded to Jean Batten
Jean was presented to the King & Queen at Buckingham Palace, where she also met King Leopold of Belgium
MOTAT
Oct 1937: Trophy from The President and Members of the British Sportsman's Club
Memento of her record flight from Australia to England in 5 Days 18 Hours 15 Mins
MOTAT
Nov 1937: Medal awarded by the Royal Aero Club in recognition of Jean’s many Empire flights
MOTAT
During Nov 1937, Madame Tussaud's made Batten's effigy in wax
Jean had four sittings of one hour each. [Photo: Jean standing next to her effigy]
Victoria University of Wellington
23 Dec 1937: Jean being presented with New Zealand Aero Club trophy, at New Zealand House, London
Trophy awarded for her flight to England
Alexander Turnbull Library
Jean toured UK & Europe
Jean continued to tour throughout the UK and Europe. She wrote notes about her experiences, and collected letters and newspaper clippings. Her autobiography ‘My Life’ was published by George G. Harrap & Co. Ltd, in May 1938 and can be read online at NZETC. It was republished under the title "Alone in the Sky" by N.Z. Technical books in 1979.
During 1938 Jean went on lecture tours in England & Europe
(Photo: 24 Feb 1938: A programme from Jean Batten's visit to Pauldens Ltd., Manchester, England))
MOTAT
She flew her Gull to Europe for lectures in Paris, Brussels & Stockholm; then holidayed in Milan & Lake Como
She was hosted by Blèriot's widow in Paris, King Leopold in Brussels, & by the Swedish royal family in Stockholm
Auckland Libraries
6 March 1938: Jean was awarded the Commemorative Plaque from Royal Swedish Aero Club
MOTAT
In May 1938, Jean's autobiography ‘My Life’ was published by George G. Harrap & Co. Ltd
A digitised copy can be read online at NZETC
National Library of New Zealand
1938: Jean was first woman awarded the medal of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, aviation's highest honour
National Library of New Zealand
Photo: Scrapbook of Jean's letters & newspaper clippings
MOTAT
Jean & Nellie Lived in England during World War II
Early in 1939 Jean commenced a lecture tour of Scandinavia & the Baltic States on behalf of the British Council
Auckland Libraries
After a Caribbean holiday with her mother, Jean was visiting Sweden when outbreak of WWII was imminent
Jean received permission to fly home over North Sea with a stop in Hamburg, & arrived in England on 27 Aug 1939
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
In early 1940, Jean offered her services as a pilot & her Gull for the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA)
However, she didn't pass the medical test due to her vision
MOTAT
On 17 July 1940, her Gull was requisitioned by the RAF & renamed AX-866
In 1946, it was bought by Percival Aircraft, & given to Shuttleworth Trust in April 1961 for its collection of aircraft
MOTAT
Jean became a driver for the Anglo-French Ambulance Corps & was involved with fundraising for vehicles
Meanwhile, her brother John who'd been living in Tahiti with his wife & daughter since mid-1930s, joined NZ Royal Navy
Alexander Turnbull Library
25 June 1940: Jean at ceremony where an ambulance wagon was presented by the Ambulance Trust Fund
National Library of New Zealand
Jean worked for 3 months with the ambulance service until it was disbanded after Germans conquered France
Jean was due to be despatched to France, but the German advance halted departure plans
MOTAT
Jean then spent 3 years on the assembly line in a munitions factory at Poole, Dorset & rented an apartment
Her mother moved to Dorchester where Batten would visit her
Alexander Turnbull Library
In 1943, Jean & her mother moved to London & lived at Baker St. Jean met an RAF bomber pilot whom she fell in love with.
According to her unpublished memoirs, his name was Richard. Later in the war, he was reported missing in action.
Alexander Turnbull Library
During 1943, Jean joined the National Savings Committee's team of lecturers
The team visited factories, industrial facilities & town halls to raise donations for the war effort
Alexander Turnbull Library
In 1943, brother John was given six months special leave from Navy to act in British war movie 'For those in Peril'
Movie was filmed at Ealing Studios in London & released in NZ during 1945. Adverts mentioned Jean was John's brother.
National Library of New Zealand
On 13 Dec 1943, Jean featured on BBC’s "Traveller's Tales" about her grandparents moving to NZ & her solo flight to NZ
Her grandfather (a surveyor), grandmother & 4 children sailed 70 years ago from England with their furniture & piano
National Library of New Zealand
Jean & Nellie live in Jamaica, England & Spain, 1946-1966
In Nov 1946, Jean & her mother began living in Jamaica & built their home (named 'Blue Horizon') on plot of coastal land
Meanwhile, Jean's brother Harold & his wife Alma were divorced in Auckland during 1951
National Library of New Zealand
Jean & Nellie returned to England in 1953, from where they toured Europe for next 7 years
They'd sold their Blue Horizon home & bought plots of land in Jamaica which they then sold in 1957 to fund their trips
Digital Public Library of America
In late 1950s, brother John invited by Rudall Hayward to appear in "Song of the Wanganui" which was released in 1961
Afterwards, John stayed on in NZ & then lived in Essex from late 1960s onwards, passing away on 10 Aug 1993 aged 90
Alexander Turnbull Library
Jean's parents pass away in 1966 & 1967
In 1960 Jean & Nellie bought a villa in Costa de Sol; then sold it in 1965 to visit Portugal, Madeira & Canary Islands
They rented an apartment for their holiday at San Marcos on the island of Teneriffe & planned to journey onto Morocco
National Library of New Zealand
When holidaying at Tenerife, Nellie died on 19 July 1966 aged 89 & was buried in Anglican cemetery at Puerto de la Cruz
Jean's brother invited her to Auckland, but after a brief stay with friend in Jamaica, she lived at Tenerife until 1982
MOTAT
A year after Jean's mother Nellie died, her father Fred passed away in Auckland on 20 July 1967 aged 86
Eight years later, Jean's brother Harold died in Auckland in Feb 1975, aged 73
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
Jean visits London & NZ, 1969 & 1970s
In 1969, Jean invited to London to see the start of the air race from England to Australia with Sir Francis Chichester
She also joined British Women Pilots' Assoc, gave interviews for BBC, & visited her Gull at the Shuttleworth Collection
V.C. Browne & Son
In 1970, Jean flew to NZ for a holiday & was invited to open the Jean Batten School in Māngere East on 7 March
In her will, Jean left it funds for use as competition prizes. (Photo: Students playing at the school)
Auckland Libraries
Jean became patron of NZ Airwoman's Assoc & spoke at public gatherings; then flew to England during April
(Photo: c. 5 April 1970: Jean standing by a display of photographs featuring herself during visit to NZ)
Alexander Turnbull Library
Later in April 1970, Jean invited to fundraising banquet in Australia & stayed 3 months with flights courtesy of Qantas
She then went via Fiji to US to tour with 'Ninety-nines' female pilots before returning to Tenerife
Auckland Libraries
1972: Jean visited London & met painter Edgar Percival in London with a painting of her Percival Gull
BP NZ Ltd. to present painting to Jean Batten School, Auckland on 16 Oct 1972 to mark anniversary of solo flight to NZ
MOTAT
In 1977, Jean revisited NZ & attended opening of the Pioneers of New Zealand Aviation Building at MOTAT on 2 April
She stayed with the MOTAT director who arranged for Govt to grant NZ$1,000 & weekly state pension of NZ$46 for Jean
MOTAT
2 Apr 1977: Jean seated with bouquet of flowers during opening ceremony for Pioneers of Aviation building at MOTAT
Photograph is signed by Jean Batten lower left handside corner
MOTAT
Aug 1977: Jean Batten being presented with Lindbergh medal by US Ambassador to NZ Armistead Inge Selden Jr.
Medal was presented on behalf of MOTAT
MOTAT
31 Oct 1978: Jean Batten was presented with the Freedom of the City London when aged 69
Verso: Her solo flight from London to Australia in 5 days 21 hours "has never been beaten in 42 years"
MOTAT
31 Oct 1978: Jean in front of the framed illustration for her book re-titled 'Alone in the sky'
Taken at a reception given by the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators where she was admitted as a Liveryman
MOTAT
22 Nov 1979: Jean invited to opening of National Bank of New Zealand in Jean Batten Place, Auckland
She had flown partway to NZ on the new Concord of which she'd been an advocate since seeing prototype in 1969
MOTAT
Circa 5 Dec 1979: Jean presenting a first-day stamp cover from Britain to the Governor General Sir Keith Holyoake
The 1976 cover, issued by the RAF Museum at Hendon, England, marked the 40th anniversary of Jean's 1936 flight to NZ
Alexander Turnbull Library
Jean's solo England-NZ record stood for 44 years until 1980
During November 1980, Jean’s long-held solo record from England to Australia to New Zealand of 11 days and 45 minutes was broken by 4.5 days by British pilot Judith Chisholm. On 18 November, Judith had departed from Heathrow Airport in a turbo-charged single-engine Cessna Centurion and arrived at Port Headland in Australia on 22 November - taking 3 days and 13 hours. Afterwards, Judith flew on to Sydney which she departed on 25 October and arrived in Auckland on 26 October.
At the time, Jean was visiting Australia for the 60th anniversary of the founding of Qantas.
“As a courtesy, Qantas flew Batten on a Boeing 747 to Auckland to greet Chisholm. During the flight, made while Chisholm crossing the Tasman Sea, the two briefly spoke via radio. Batten publicly congratulated Chisholm for breaking her longstanding records, noting that her own flight was made "as a pioneer" and it could not be compared to Chisholm's.”
Source: 'Jean Batten", URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Batten (Wikipedia).
Afterwards, Judith flew from Auckland to London via United states and Canada, arriving at Heathrow Airport on 2 December 1980. She had completed her round-the-world flight in 15 days, 22 minutes - less than half the previous record time of 34 days set by Sheila Scott in 1966.
During Nov 1980, Jean’s long-held solo record from England to Australia to NZ was broken by Judith Chisholm
At the time, Jean was visiting Australia for the 60th anniversary of founding of Qantas who flew Jean to meet Chisholm i
MOTAT
Jean Batten passed away at Marjorca on 22 Nov 1982, aged 73 years
After visiting Australia for the 60th anniversary of Qantas, Jean returned to Tenerife in early 1981. She had a couple of weeks holiday in Gibraltar; then visited London where she advised her publisher she planned to move to Marjorca. In October 1982, Jean left London and stayed in a hotel in Marjorca whilst she looked for an apartment to purchase. After contacting her publisher in November 1982 with her hotel's address, Jean was not heard from for five years. In September 1987, Ian Mackersey and his wife Caroline uncovered what had happened to Jean after travelling to Marjorca to carry out research for a biography about Jean:
"On 8 November she wrote to her publisher; it was the last anyone was to hear from Jean Batten. For five years her whereabouts remained a mystery. Mail accumulated at her London bank where her account was untouched. In September 1987 the sad truth emerged: she had died in Palma, Majorca, on 22 November 1982, aged 73. She had been bitten by a dog on her daily walk and the wound had become septic, spreading infection to her lungs. She refused to let the staff of her small hotel call a doctor, and died quite needlessly of a pulmonary abscess. As a result of a bureaucratic bungle the New Zealand government and her relatives had not been notified. On 22 January 1983 she had been buried anonymously in Palma cemetery in a paupers' mass grave."
Source: Ian Mackersey. 'Batten, Jean Gardner', Dictionary of New Zealand Biography, first published in 1998, updated February, 2006. Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/4b13/batten-jean-gardner
Mackersey established that Jean's body had been discovered in her hotel room by a maid. A New Zealand passport was found amongst her possessions but the local Spanish authorities did not end up contacting either the New Zealand government or Jean's relatives. After lying unclaimed in the local morgue for two months, Jean was buried unmarked in a communal grave. When the news that Jean had died in 1982 became known, the Times of London newspaper posted an obituary on 30 September 1987, which was reported by other news media, including AP News (30 Sept 1987).
In 1989, a bronze plaque with a depiction of Batten and text in English and Spanish was placed by the NZ government at the grave site. See photo of the plaque in the NZ Herald article (1 Oct 2016): "Jean Batten's descendants say her remains should stay in Spanish cemetery".
In 1982, Jean left Teneriffe & after visiting Gibraltor & London, moved to Marjorca where she died on 22 Nov
Jean had become unwell from an untreated dog bite. She was buried in an unmarked communal grave on 22 Jan 1983.
MOTAT
Cemetery in Marjorca where Jean is buried. In 1989, a bronze plaque was placed by the NZ government at her grave site.
In Sept 2009, a street in the area of Palma where Jean died was renamed Carrer de Jean Batten (Jean Batten Street)
MOTAT
Legacy
Jean Batten's achievements in solo flying have been recognised in numerous ways within New Zealand and overseas. In addition to the awards mentioned above, Jean has received many accolades, including the following:
![Image: Copyright File- Untitled [Antetoni Kosovich, Auckland] - 'Poem of Miss Jean Batten'](https://thumbnailer.digitalnz.org/?resize=770x&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F51501201371_a33be72485_z.jpg&resize=368%253E "Copyright File- Untitled [Antetoni Kosovich, Auckland] - 'Poem of Miss Jean Batten'")
1934: "Poem of Miss Jean Batten"
On 6 Oct 1934, Antetoni Kosovich of Auckland applied to copyright this poem about Jean Batten
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
ca. 1937: Cigarette card showing Jean Batten and her plane "Percival Gull" G-ADPR
House of Carreras Ltd (England): Famous airmen & airwomen. A series of 50. No. 43, Miss Jean Batten
Alexander Turnbull Library
In 1939, three peaks in Ailsa Mountains of Fiordland were named the Jean Batten Peaks
Jean had visited Walter Peak Station, Lake Wakatipu
Victoria University of Wellington
In 1941, the Post Office & adjacent lane in Auckland were named Jean Batten
Auckland Libraries
Oct 1953: Jean Batten Commemorative Tablet at Jean Batten Place, Auckland
Trove
In 1961, this Douglas DC3 plane was named 'Jean Batten'
The plane was operated by South Pacific Airlines of New Zealand (SPANZ)
MOTAT
1970: Portrait of Jean painted during visit to Wellington by Julia Lynch (Sister Mary Lawrence of St Mary's Convent)
Photo of portrait appeared in Evening Post on 24th March 1970
Alexander Turnbull Library
1978: Street named "Jean Batten Place" in the Horseshoe Lake residential area, Christchurch
The streets in the area had an aviation theme (Aerial photo: 2011)
UC QuakeStudies
9 June 1978: Model of Jean's Gipsy Moth was presented to MOTAT by Capt. R. M. Miles
MOTAT
1980s: MOTAT's commemorative booklet, "The hall of fame : honouring the pioneers of New Zealand aviation"
MOTAT
1980s: Publicity photo for telefilm “Jean Batten: Garbo of the Skies” screened 1988
Auckland Libraries
13 Dec 1980: Jean Batten received honorary life membership to the Tasmanian Aero Club
Presented in appreciation of her long and valued services to the club and contribution to the development of aviation
MOTAT
1989: Bronze bust depicts Jean Batten wearing flight jacket, flight cap & goggles
MOTAT
On 5 Oct 1989, a statue outside the Auckland International Airport was unveiled by Governor-General Sir Paul Reeves
The Auckland international terminal was renamed Jean Batten International Airport
Howick Historical Village
Another view of the statue of Jean Batten. Her Percival Gull plane is also on display inside the terminal.
The Gull was borrowed from Shuttleworth Trust in 1990 for NZ's 150th anniversary celebrations, & then purchased in 1996
Auckland Libraries
1990: Inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame
National Library of New Zealand
1990: Programme for Royal New Zealand Ballet's production 'Jean'
MOTAT
4 Oct 2008: Jean Batten score for voice and piano by Willow Macky
SOUNZ
In 2017, the aero engine from the Percival Gull aircraft flown by Jean was donated to MOTAT by Auckland Airport
Since Aug 2010, Jean's plane has been re-displayed next to the escalators at the arrivals area
MOTAT
Photo 2018: Jean Batten by Rodrigo Rozas (At Hikurangi: New Zealand Outdoor Art collection)
New Zealand Outdoor Art
(No date) Bronze cast head sculpture of Jean Batten in right side profile held by MOTAT
MOTAT
Commemorative Tablet to the achievements of Jean Batten CBE in her pioneer flight from England to New Zealand
Tablet held by MOTAT
MOTAT
Commemorative plate made by Glock Burr and Company Limited, London
Inscription-"First England-New Zealand Flight by Jean Batten - October 1936, LXMPNE-Auckland, 11 Days 1 Hour 25 Minutes"
MOTAT
In Rotorua, a bronze sculpture & memorial panels are at Rotorua Airport; & Batten Street is named after her
Jean Batten Park is between the Tourism i-SITE & Rotorua Library; & a plaque at 1242-1246 Amohia St where family lived
Remuera Heritage
film/video
![Image: Jean Batten (1936) [Silent]](https://thumbnailer.digitalnz.org/?resize=770x&src=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FIDRLGADCLMI%2Fhqdefault.jpg&resize=368%253E "Jean Batten (1936) [Silent]")
1936: Silent, black and white film of Jean Batten (53 secs). Archives New Zealand
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
1982: Three-part series mapping history of aviation in NZ which includes Jean Batten. NZ On Screen
NZ On Screen
1988: Documentary “Jean Batten - The Garbo of the Skies” produced by Ian Mackersey
Pt 1 (18 min 11 sec ) Pt 2 (18min 23 sec), Pt 3 (14 min 52 sec) & Credits (1 min 11 sec). NZ On Screen.
NZ On Screen
14 Nov 2012: Jean Batten – Airscapade (RNZ, 14 min 22 sec)
Recreation of Jean’s flight from England to NZ organised by French-based Kiwi Mark Oremland
Radio New Zealand
2016: Telemovie “Jean” – Trailer (1 Min 40 sec), Excerpts (5 min 42 sec) & Credits (1 min 36 sec) NZ On Screen
NZ On Screen
AUDIO
22 Oct 2013: Carole Beu reviews 'The Infinite Air' – a novel about Jean Batten by Fiona Kidman, published by Vintage
(RNZ: 6 min 11 sec)
Radio New Zealand
15 Oct 2016: Julie Bubb - 80th Anniversary of Jean Batten's record flight (RNZ, 15 min 7 sec))
NZAWA president Julie Bubb speaks about the legacy of Jean Batten's flight to NZ
Radio New Zealand
23 Oct 2016: Filmmaker Rob Sarkies (RNZ: 11 min 5 sec)
Interview with Rob Sarkies whose directorial work included the telemovie “Jean”
Radio New Zealand
26 March 2016: Jean Batten on stage (RNZ: 11 min 37 sec)
Interview with Auckland scriptwriter Phil Ormsby and actress Alex Ellis
Radio New Zealand
11 Oct 2016: Female aviation trailblazers (RNZ: 30 min 27 sec)
Interview with owner of Gipsy Moth plane used for the telemovie "Jean"
Radio New Zealand
21 Feb 2017: “Flying solo”: about “Miss Jean Batten”, a solo show (RNZ: 12 min 28 sec)
Interview with writer & producer Phil Ormsby & performer Alex Ellis. Play produced by Flaxworks Theatre Company.
Radio New Zealand
4 Aug 2017: Book review – Sky High (RNZ: 5 min 15 sec)
Review of *Sky High - Jean Batten's Incredible Flying Adventures” by David Hill & Phoebe Morris. Pub. by Penguin Books.
Radio New Zealand
FIND OUT MORE:
- Batten, Jean, Solo Flight (Jackson and O’Sullivan Ltd, 1934)
- Batten, Jean, My Life (George G. Harrap & Co. Ltd, 1938) and is available online at the New Zealand Electronic Text Collection (NZETC), which is part of the Victoria University of Wellington Library. An extended version was printed under the title "Alone in the Sky" by N.Z. Technical books in 1979.
- 'Jean Batten', URL: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/people/jean-batten, (Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 30-Aug-2019
- 'Jean Batten and Buddy the cat', URL: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/interactive/jean-batten-and-buddy, (Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 28-Jan-2021
- 'Jean Batten reaches Auckland after epic solo flight ', URL: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/jean-batten-reaches-auckland-after-epic-solo-flight, (Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 7-Sep-2020
- 'Jean Batten', URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Batten (Wikipedia), updated 10 September 2022
- 'John Batten" ,URL: https://www.nzonscreen.com/profile/john-batten/biography (NZ On Screen)
JEAN BATTEN
Our Wāhine
Jean Batten : the Garbo of the skies
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
AnyQuestions/Many Answers: Jean Batten (1909-1982)
Lists sources of information compiled for NZ school students
National Library of New Zealand
“Every flyer who ventures across oceans to distant lands is a potential explorer; in his or her breast burns the same fire that urged adventurers of old to set forth in their sailing-ships for foreign lands.”
Jean Batten – ‘Alone in the sky’