Fiery Facts About Roberta Cowell, The Trailblazing Female Fighter Pilot
Tough-as-nails Roberta Cowell seemed invincible as a pro race car driver and fighter pilot—but nothing lasts forever, and Cowell learned that the hard way.
1. She Had A Few Too Many Close Calls
Roberta Cowell was a successful motorcar racer and member of the Royal Air Force, who survived—with many close calls—WWII as a fighter pilot.
But while her scars from her time behind enemy lines were still healing, she became famous for something else entirely: being the first openly transgender woman in the UK. She was only 33 when she transitioned.
But by that time, life in the fast lane was catching up with her.
2. She Grew Up As A Boy
Although she eventually lived publicly as a woman, Roberta Cowell spent the first 33 years of her life as a man. In fact, she described her younger self as “an aggressive male”. And it’s true. She liked to go fast and take risks—especially when her parents weren’t around. One day, this risk-taking got her into trouble.
Channel Four Television, Secret History - The Sex Change Spitfire Ace (2015)
3. She Always Went Fast
Cowell was a daredevil kid with a need for speed. Even when all she had to drive was a scooter. One day as a little kid, she found herself on her scooter at the top of a huge hill. No parents in sight—only her nanny.
So, she put on her imaginary helmet, revved the imaginary engine, and proceeded to launch herself down the giant hill. Of course, her scooter had no brakes.
Channel Four Television,Secret History - The Sex Change Spitfire Ace (2015)
4. She Had A Scary Accident As A Kid
The next thing little Cowell knew, she was in her stroller, being pushed home by a very angry (and not nearly concerned enough) nanny. She remembered only that there had been a curve in the road.
After that she remembered nothing at all: she had been knocked unconscious by the fall.
Fortunately she recovered, but she would soon face an even more distressing event: going to an all-boys school.
