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Episode details

Radio 4,12 Dec 2023,28 mins

Iszi Lawrence on Diana Barnato Walker

Great Lives

Available for over a year

Broadcaster and author Iszi Lawrence chooses the aviator Diana Barnato Walker. Coming from a privileged background, Diana used her pocket money to take flying lessons, flew bombers during the Second World War, and - aged 45 - became the first British woman to break the sound barrier. Iszi is joined by Giles Whittell, author of Spitfire Women of World War II, and Diana’s son Barney Walker. Presenter: Matthew Parris Producer: Beth Sagar-Fenton First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2023.

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