An RAF cadet is spearheading a campaign to raise a memorial for a female wartime hero.

Corporal Bailea Harrison, an RAF air cadet at 136 (Chipping Norton) Squadron, is leading the initiative to honour Flight Captain Susan Eleanor Isabella Slade, an Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) pilot, who died saving lives during the Second World War.

Flt Cpt Slade's last act was to crash-land her stricken Wellington bomber into a farm field near Great Rissington, Gloucestershire, on July 13, 1944, averting a disaster in the village.

Her bravery, however, has not been recognised at the nearby church or anywhere else in the area, unlike her male counterparts.

Now, Cpl Harrison, inspired by the lack of recognition for female military service, is on a mission to change that.

Her journey began in 2020 with a Commonwealth War Graves Project, and since then, she has fully researched Flt Cpt Slade, found all surviving relatives, and secured permission from Upper Rissington Parish Council to erect the memorial near the crash site next summer.

Only 15 female ATA ferry pilots lost their lives during the Second World War, making this initiative even more significant.

Cpl Harrison’s project has garnered support from the Royal British Legion, and currently, the campaign is focused on fundraising to cover the memorial's cost.

The funds will also go towards organising a community event for the memorial unveiling, which will be graced by Flt Cpt Slade's surviving family members.

A dedicated space in Cpl Harrison's squadron will also be established in honour of Flt Cpt Slade.

The memorial will not only serve as a tribute to Flt Cpt Slade but also as a recognition of the invaluable contribution of women in military service, a fact often overlooked in history.

A collage flyer, a QR code linking to the CrowdFunder, and more information about the campaign are available online.

The CrowdFunder campaign has 78 days left to gather the necessary funds.

Cpl Harrison's efforts have highlighted the importance of recognising female heroes like Flt Cpt Slade.

Her life-saving act, which cost her own life, stands as a testament to the courage and dedication of female ATA pilots during the war.

The project is a step towards rectifying the historical oversight of women's contributions in military service.

The campaign is a chance for everyone to contribute to a worthy cause, ensuring that the bravery of Flt Cpt Slade is remembered and honoured appropriately.

Donations are welcomed and can be made through a CrowdFunder link.