Vignette 146: The Smith Papers

The Smith Papers document the adventurous lives of aviators Sir Keith Smith (1890–1955) and Sir Ross Smith (1892–1922). The collection includes certificates, pamphlets, photographs, and miscellanea from 1916 to 1956, including the first ever flight from England to Australia.

After the First World War, the brothers heard of an air race, and decided to take part. Their aircraft was a Vickers Vimy, the same type of aircraft that was used to cross the Atlantic. They had two mechanics accompany them, Wally Shiers and Jim Bennet. The flight took 28 days, with an average speed of 137 kph.

On their return to Australia, the pioneering flyers were welcomed home as national heroes. They shared the £10,000 prize money, and earned a knighthood each.

Sadly, in April 1922, while preparing for a record breaking around-the-world flight, Sir Ross Smith was killed in a crash. Sir Keith Smith saw his younger brother die. The new flight was abandoned.

The Smith papers were presented to the University Library by Lady Anita, wife of Sir Keith Smith, in 1967.

The University of Adelaide: 150 Years of Making History.  Preserving a legacy.  p.194