Nhill Welcomes Aviation Legend Charles Kingsford Smith in 1933
This article tells the story of Charles Kingsford Smith’s visit to Nhill, Victoria, in 1933. Here’s a breakdown:
The Arrival of the “Old Bus”
- Kingsford Smith, a famous aviator nicknamed “Smithy,” planned a barnstorming tour across rural Victoria.
- Nhill was initially excluded from the itinerary, but a last-minute change brought Kingsford Smith to town.
- He arrived on November 15th, 1933, piloting the Southern Cross, a Fokker F.VII trimotor aircraft nicknamed the “Old Bus.”
- Two other planes accompanied him: the Percival Gull (Miss Southern Cross) and the DH 50 (Southern Cross Midget).
A Day with Smithy
- A large crowd gathered at the Nhill aerodrome (located at Halpin Park) to witness the arrival.
- Kingsford Smith offered joy flights to locals in all three aircraft for a fee.
- He addressed local veterans at the Soldier’s Memorial Hall.
- The Lowan Council hosted a dinner for the visiting aviators.
A Near Miss and Controversy
- Kingsford Smith reportedly performed a risky manoeuvre called a “beat-up” while landing in Kaniva, another town on his tour.
- There were concerns about a potential collision with the Percival Gull.
Legacy of the Visit
- The article mentions the later fates of the aircraft involved:
- The Southern Cross was eventually preserved in a museum.
- Miss Southern Cross crashed a year later.
- The Southern Cross Midget ended up with the Royal Australian Air Force.
- Kingsford Smith tragically died in a plane crash in 1935.
Additional Information
- The article references a replica of the Southern Cross being restored and flown again.
- It includes the source of the information: John Williams’ Facebook page “Treasures of Nhill & District”.
