This Day in History: 1919-12-10

On 10 December 1919, almost 28 days after leaving England, brothers Ross and Keith Smith landed the Vickers Vimy G-EAOU at the newly constructed Darwin Aerodrome to win the race for the first flight from England to Australia. They had departed Hounslow, England on 12 November 1919. As recognition for their amazing success Ross and Keith received knighthoods, while their mechanics, Sergeants Walter Sheirs and James Bennett, were commissioned and awarded Bars to their Air Force Medals. The 10,000 pounds prize money was divided equally among the four men.
Source: State Library of South Australia, https://digital.collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/nodes/view/2823