the accident investigation without paying tribute to one of the flight-test observers involved in these tests - Mrs Gwen Alston. Mrs Alston was a truly remarkable 'lady boffin', who, despite having lost her scientist husband in a fatal crash while on a similar duty, never flinched at any risky flight and in all circumstances displayed the essence of courage". She was a founding member of RAF technical flight, the Aerospace Education and Recreation Organisation and became an associate of the Royal Aeronautical Society in 1956. Inspector of Schools 1946-72 In 1946, she was appointed as H. M. Inspector of Schools in England, by the Ministry of Education. Amongst her responsibilities, Alston was expected to give advice and inspect aeronautical matters, including educational training for the aviation industry, sport and recreational flying and air education in schools and colleges. A speech she gave to the Women's Engineering Society in October 1956, entitled Technological Training and Employment of Women detailed the issues faced by girls in the education system who might be interested in careers in science or technology. Alston retired in 1973. Personal life and family Alston was an avid aviator, obtaining her flying license from the Royal Aero Club in 1929 and completing basic and advanced RAF pilot training. Whilst working at Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough Airfield in 1933, Alston met her future husband Peter Alston, a Civilian Scientific Officer, who died on 16 February 1939 near Eyke, Suffolk, while testing a military aircraft. The Royal Aeronautical Society's RP Alston Medal, originally a prize for work in the field of air safety through stability and control but since 1957 awarded for practical achievement associated with the flight testing of aircraft, was first awarded in 1949 in memory of Alston's late husband. The medal features an eagle in flight with a hot air balloon in the background. Awards and honours In 1969, Alston became the first recipient of the Scott-Farnie Medal for her contribution to aviation education. In 1970, Alston became an Honorary Companion of the Royal Aeronautical Society. References 1907 births 1993 deaths Alumni of the University of Liverpool Alumni of the University of Nottingham Aerodynamicists People from Birkenhead 20th-century British engineers 20th-century women engineers