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New Zealand and the rest of the world fell in love with this beautiful, brave and poised aviatrix. Everywhere she went there were crowds.
Poor Edward- Jean had fallen in love with Australian airline pilot, Beverley Shepherd. And when she broke off her engagement with him to get engaged to the Australian, he was so miffed her sent her the bill for the wings of his aircraft she'd used to repair her Gipsy Moth with.
Jean was still not content though, she needed more challenges. In a Percival Gull 6, she flew from England to South America in November 1935, thus becoming the first woman to fly the South Atlantic solo. Even more impressive considering she only had a watch and a compass to guide her.
Her fame increased. Along with Amelia Earhart she won the Harmon International Trophy for the most outstanding flight by a woman in 1935, an award she later won for herself in 1936 and 1937. In addition she received the Royal Aero Club's Britannia Trophy, and was the Daily Expresses five Woman of the Year in 1935.
However much she seemed to enjoy the attention, it appears she was never entirely comfortable with it. She and her mother retreated to almost hermit like existence in England. Only emerging to receive her CBE, and in 1936 to make her greatest achievement. One that would give her place in New Zealand's heart.
