Question: What makes a man a legend? Here at the Tribute to Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, we celebrate a true Australian icon. Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, often called “Smithy”, was more than just an aviator. He was a pioneer.
Kingsford Smith’s life began in Brisbane on 9 February 1897. He was born Charles Edward Kingsford Smith. The “Kingsford” was later added to the family name. He served in World War I. Initially, he was a motorcycle dispatch rider. Later, he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. He earned his pilot’s wings in 1917. He was shot down in August 1917 and lost two toes. For his bravery, he received the Military Cross.
After the war, Kingsford Smith became a barnstormer in the United States. Returning to Australia in 1921, he flew airmail services. He then began planning record-breaking flights.
In 1928, Kingsford Smith achieved international fame. He and his crew made the first trans-Pacific flight from the United States to Australia. The journey was in three stages. It went from Oakland, California, to Hawaii, then to Suva, Fiji, and finally to Brisbane. This feat captured the world’s imagination. He was met by 26,000 people upon arriving in Brisbane.
That same year, Kingsford Smith also completed the first non-stop crossing of the Australian mainland. He flew from Melbourne to Perth. He also made the first flights between Australia and New Zealand. He further accomplished the first eastward Pacific crossing. This was a flight from Australia to the United States.
Kingsford Smith also set records flying from Australia to London. He completed the journey in just 10.5 days. His plane “Southern Cross” became famous.
In 1929, Kingsford Smith and Charles Ulm founded Australian National Airways. It was a passenger, mail, and freight service flying between major Australian cities.
Tragedy struck in 1935. Kingsford Smith and co-pilot John Thompson “Tommy” Pethybridge disappeared over the Andaman Sea. They were flying from India to Singapore. They were attempting to break the England-Australia speed record. Their bodies were never found. Later, parts of their plane, the Lady Southern Cross, washed ashore in Burma.
Kingsford Smith’s legacy lives on. Sydney’s major airport is named Kingsford Smith International Airport in his honor. He was featured on the Australian twenty-dollar note. The Southern Cross aircraft is preserved in a memorial near Brisbane Airport.
Here at this Tribute to Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, remember a daring aviator. He was a true Australian hero. He pushed the boundaries of flight. He inspired a nation to reach for the skies.