Doesn’t the name Melli-Beese-Denkmal sound intriguing? This sculpture stands as a tribute to Amelie Hedwig Boutard-Beese. She was better known as Melli Beese. She was Germany’s first female pilot.
In 1971, Annelise Rudolph created this memorial dove sculpture. It was unveiled on May 1st, 1971. The Melli-Beese-Denkmal sits in the Melli-Beese-Anlage. This is at the corner of Storkwinkel and Schwarzbacher Straße.
Born in Laubegast near Dresden in 1886, Melli Beese’s story is remarkable. In 1910, she moved to Berlin-Johannisthal. Just a year later, she earned her pilot’s license. She flew a Rumpler-Taube. This made her the first woman in Germany to achieve this feat.
Melli Beese excelled in aviation. She won significant prizes. In 1912, she set a world record. She reached a height of 625 meters. That same year, Melli co-founded a flying school. She also started an aircraft factory in Johannisthal. Her partner was Charles de Boutard, who later became her husband. There, they built the Melli-Beese-Taube. She designed it herself.
Her path wasn’t easy. Melli faced sexism. Some male colleagues tried to stop her from flying. Despite the hurdles, she persevered. On September 13, 1911, Melli Beese earned pilot license number 115. She was the first woman in Germany to do so.
In 1913, Melli married Charles Boutard. This granted her French citizenship. During World War I, they were considered enemy aliens. The authorities seized their factory and aircraft.
After the war, Melli Beese faced financial struggles. Despite her efforts, she never fully recovered. Sadly, on December 21, 1925, she died by suicide in Berlin.
In 1975, Melli Beese received an honorary grave. It is located in the Schmargendorf Cemetery. The Melli-Beese-Denkmal and the surrounding Anlage serve as a reminder. They honor her pioneering spirit and contributions to aviation history. This sculpture ensures that Melli Beese’s legacy continues to inspire.