CIVILIAN pilots who carried out dangerous missions delivering aircraft to the frontline during wartime have been remembered.

The Air Transport Auxiliary were honoured at the Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington, York, on Saturday (April 11) in a ceremony involving veterans and descendants of crew who flew bombers and fighter planes to front line squadrons.

Unveiling the plaque was flying veteran Peter Godden, 95, who had travelled from Kent.

During the Second World War they undertook hazardous journeys delivering aircraft from the manufacturers to front line squadrons.

The pilots had often never flown particular aircraft types before and had to refer to the famous ferry pilots’ notes, a basic instruction manual.

They mainly flew alone - even when piloting big four-engine bombers - and without radio communication, making them vulnerable to the UK’s own anti-aircraft defences.

They included female pilots, who caught the public’s imagination and were famed in the wartime press.

The museum has previously recognised the female pilots of the ATA and the latest plaque was dedicated to the male pilots.

Ian Reed, museum director said: “The museum has previously recognised the women pilots of the Air Transport Auxiliary within our Women’s Air Services Memorial, but this now includes the men as well.

“The women stole the glamour within the media but the men made up the bulk of the service.”