Hilda Hope McMaugh | |
|---|---|
 Hilda Hope McMaugh (1919) | |
| Born | Caroline Hilda Hope McMaugh 11 March 1885 |
| Died | 30 March 1981 (aged 96) Uralla, New South Wales |
| Occupation | Nurse |
| Years active | 1916–1950 |
| Known for |
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| Aviation career | |
| First flight | October 1919 |
| Famous flights | Test flight 15 November 1919 |
| Flight license | 15 November 1919 Northolt Aerodrome |
Hilda Hope McMaugh (11 March 1885 – 30 March 1981) was an Australian nurse and pilot. She was the first Australian woman to qualify as a pilot, receiving her certificate from the Royal Aero Club in England on 15 November 1919.
After completing her nursing training at Tamworth District Hospital, McMaugh enlisted with the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS) in 1916. The following year she was posted to Cairo with the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). For her services during the First World War, she received the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
After Armistice McMaugh went to London, where she earned a driving licence from Britain's Royal Automobile Club, and then after one month's training in a Centaur IV aircraft at Northolt Aerodrome, she gained a pilot's licence.
In 1920, McMaugh returned to her home town Uralla, in New South Wales. There, three years later, she established St Elmo's Private Hospital, where she ran the place as its matron for nearly 30 years. Her name is one of 850 inscribed on a memorial in Central Park, Armidale. A retirement home, the McMaugh Gardens Retirement Home, is named after her.