Edith Mary Douglas

Edith Mary Douglas (née Dale) (13 November 1877 – 30 November 1962) was a British engineer, shipyard director and the first woman to fly in an experimental bomber aircraft.

Early life and marriage Edith Mary Dale was born in Kanpur, India. Douglas was often referred to as Mrs C. H. Douglas, using the convention of adopting the husband's full name. During the Second World War the company provided construction for small craft for the Admiralty. Edith Douglas became president of the society in 1938. She was succeeded in the role by Caroline Haslett and her vice president was electrical engineer Gertrude Entwisle. A 1937 article stated that the soon to be WES president “Mrs. Douglas… starts work most days round about 8 a.m. in Southampton ship-building yard which belongs to the company of which she a director. In a blue flannel suit and old yachting cap, this handsome, dark-eyed woman directs gangs of men and organises the business of the yard”. She told the interviewer that “more women should go in for planning yachts. Even though yachts do float, they are potential homes and as such should be planned from the woman’s point of view.”

Edith Douglas was a successful competitive sailor and yachtsman and won many prizes in regattas, owning a sloop named 'Enid'.

Edith Mary Douglas died on 30 November 1962.

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