Charles Kingsford Smith
Toronto Daily Star, November 8 1935
Sir Charles Kingsford Smith (1897-1935) was, sadly, lost at sea on the trip captioned above, which was an attempt to break the Australia to England speed record. His body and that of his co-pilot were never found; an undercarriage leg and tire of their plane were found washed ashore 18 months later.
In 1928, Kingsford Smith became the first pilot to fly from the United States to Australia. This accomplishment made him famous in Australia. Later that year, he was the first to fly from Australia to New Zealand. He received a knighthood in 1930.
After his death, the Sydney airport was named Kingsford Smith International Airport in his honour. He was featured on the Australian $20 bill from 1966 until 1994.
Created October 7, 2025.