Pakhoi (Beihai) - female British pilot 1932

Submitted by Ian B on Tue, 11/01/2022 - 20:57

Hello!

I am wondering if you or anyone on the gwulo site could help me. I know this is not directly related to Hong Kong but I figure that someone on this site might know of the female British pilots from the 1930’s.

I currently work and live in Beihai (formerly known as Pakhoi): a former Treaty Port in southern China. 

I am writing a book about the people that shaped Pakhoi during the Treaty Period 1870 - 1940.

 I have found a reference locally to a female British aviator landing in Pakhoi in September 1932.

I originally assumed that it was Amy Johnson but I have been assured by relevant historians that she did not fly over (or land in) mainland China when she undertook her flight from the UK to Australia and return. 

Apparently the visit caused quite a stir here locally at the time, being British, female and an early aviator.

Any help you could give me to identify the female British aviator would be greatly appreciated. 

Kind regards, 

Ian B

The Hon. Mrs Victor Bruce passed through Hong Kong and up the China coast in November 1930 on her way to Shanghai and  Japan on a pleasure flight. She had only just learnt to fly after purchasing her aircraft from a department store in London.

The only female of note in 1932 passing through the same area was Margo von Etzdorf, a German famous long-distance record breaker.

Both are well documented on the internet

No other British female aviators are usually highlighted for that period. 

German and French females were the record breakers passing thro HK and the China coast in the 1930s.

Many thanks for the assistance.

I will follow up both individuals that you mentioned via their biographers and the internet.

There is no specific mention to either of them landing at Pakhoi from what I can see so far.

Of course, it is quite possible that the record of the exact dates, and the pilot’s nationality, are incorrect but I will keep searching. 

Thanks again.

Any other historical references to Pakhoi would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Ian B 

Hi IDJ & others - does anyone know anything more about Ruthy Tu or where I might find additional details?

Ruthy Tu (Tu Guan-Chiao; Du Guangzhou 杜光照), also claimed as the first Chinese female pilot gained her licence in England around 1932 and became a pilot in the Chinese Army. 

As mentioned, I currently work and live in Beihai (formerly known as Pakhoi) China. I am writing a book about the people that shaped Beihai during the Treaty Period 1870 – 1940.

I have found a reference locally to a female “British” aviator landing in Pakhoi in September 1932.

I am now thinking that it maybe Ruthy Tu and trying to search for additional details. Any help with relevant contacts or websites would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Ian B