Memorabilia related to Australian aviator Sir Charles Kingsford Smith (Smithy) and his aircraft 'Southern Cross'

Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, often referred to as "Smithy," was an Australian aviator who achieved worldwide fame for his record-breaking flights and contributions to aviation. He was born on February 9, 1897, in Hamilton, Queensland, Australia.

Kingsford Smith's passion for aviation developed during his service as a pilot in World War I. After the war, he began a career as a barnstormer, performing aerobatics and taking people on joyrides. In 1921, he earned his commercial pilot's license and started working for an Australian airline.

In 1928, Kingsford Smith gained international recognition for his historic trans-Pacific flight from California to Australia. He piloted the aircraft Southern Cross, which he co-owned with other aviators. The 11,585-kilometre (7,212-mile) journey marked the first successful flight across the Pacific Ocean from the United States to Australia. This remarkable achievement established him as a pioneering aviator and more... a symbol of the adventurous spirit of the era.

Kingsford Smith's subsequent exploits included a number of record-breaking flights. In 1929, he completed the first non-stop flight from Australia to England, flying from Portmarnock Beach near Dublin to Australia's northern coast. This epic journey covered a distance of approximately 20,000 kilometres (12,427 miles) and took just over 12 days.

In 1930, Kingsford Smith and his crew set a new record by completing the first non-stop flight across the Australian continent, from Perth to Sydney. This flight further cemented his reputation as an aviation pioneer.

Tragically, Kingsford Smith's career was cut short on November 8, 1935, when his plane, the Lady Southern Cross, disappeared over the Andaman Sea during an attempt to break the England-to-Australia speed record. Despite extensive search efforts, the wreckage was never found, and Kingsford Smith and his co-pilot, John Thompson, were presumed lost at sea.

Sir Charles Kingsford Smith's contributions to aviation were widely celebrated, and he received numerous honours and awards during his lifetime. In recognition of his achievements, he was knighted in 1932, becoming the first person in the British Empire to be knighted for services to aviation. His legacy as a pioneering aviator and adventurer continues to inspire future generations of pilots and aviation enthusiasts worldwide. less...