The year was 1919. The war was finally over. Prime Minister Billy Hughes offered £10,000 for the first Australian airmen to fly home from England in 30 days. Six crews took up the challenge in planes that were as rudimentary as they were unreliable. And who won? South Australian brothers Ross and Keith Smith, backed by mechanics Wally Shiers (SA) and Jim Bennett (Vic).
The flight was likened in its day to Christopher Columbus discovering the New World. Today’s historians say it was significant as man landing on the moon 50 years later. Rediscover this epic journey through sites of significance in South Australia.
The Sir Ross Smith Memorial in Creswell Gardens commemorates the achievements of aviator Sir Ross Smith and the first flight from England to Australia.
Adelaide Bridge, King William Rd, North Adelaide SA 5006, Australia
The Sir Ross Smith Memorial commemorates the achievements of aviator Sir Ross Smith and the first flight from England to Australia.
The brothers and pioneer aviators Sir Keith and Sir Ross Smith were pupils at Queen's College shortly after the turn of the century. S
154 Barton Terrace W, North Adelaide SA 5006, Australia
Designed in 1892, Queen’s School became one of South Australia’s leading private schools.
158 Stephen Terrace, Walkerville, known as Aviemore, was the family home of Australian aviators Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith.
158 Stephen Terrace, Gilberton SA 5081, Australia
158 Stephen Terrace, Walkerville, known as Aviemore, was the family home of Australian aviators Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith.158 Stephen Terrace, Walkerville, also known as Aviemore, was the family home of Australian aviators Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith.
The Smith brothers’ grave is situated in a prominent position adjoining the Bishop Short Memorial Garden alongside the century-old Chapel of the Resurrection at North Road Cemetery.
3 Cemetery Ave, Nailsworth SA 5083, Australia
The Smith brothers’ grave is situated in a prominent position adjoining the Bishop Short Memorial Garden alongside the century-old Chapel of the Resurrection at North Road Cemetery.
The Museum features an interpretive display commemorating the flight of Vickers Vimy G-EAOU in 1919 by Ross and Keith Smith and their mechanics Wally Shiers and Jim Bennett.
59 Lipson St, Port Adelaide SA 5015, Australia
The South Australian Aviation Museum is a purpose-built premises that houses historical aircraft, images and a library that are dedicated to aviation.
The Vickers Vimy was flown by Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith on their epic flight from England to Australia in 1919, and international historians believe it's now one of the most important aviation artefacts on the planet.
3G5M+C7 Adelaide Airport SA, Australia
The Vickers Vimy was flown by Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith on their epic flight from England to Australia in 1919, and international historians believe it’s now one of the most important aviation artefacts on the planet.
When Sir Ross Smith finally arrived in Adelaide after his epic flight from England to Australia, more than 20,000 people were waiting to greet him at Northfield Aerodrome.
1 Pavy Cl, Lightsview SA 5085, Australia
When Sir Ross Smith finally arrived in Adelaide after his epic flight from England to Australia, more than 20,000 people were waiting to greet him at Northfield Aerodrome.
