Aviators of special interest at the airfield over the years

Kingsford Smith

Sir Charles Edward Kingsford Smith MC, AFC (9th of February 1897 – 8th of November 1935), often called by his nickname Smithy, was an early Australian aviator. In 1928, he earned global fame when he made the first trans-Pacific flight from the United States to Australia. He also made the first non-stop crossing of the Australian mainland, the first flights between Australia and New Zealand, and the first eastward Pacific crossing from Australia to the United States. He also made a flight from Australia to Croydon, setting a new record of 10.5 days.

(above and below) Kingsford Smith and his companions are greeted by a huge crowd, on their arrival at Croydon in the 'Southern Cross', from Australia on the 17th of July 1929.

(above) with 'Lady Southern Cross' at Croydon. 1935