Births on February 9

Charles Kingsford Smith, Australian captain and pilot (d. 1935)

Sir Charles Edward Kingsford Smith, affectionately known as "Smithy," was a monumental figure in early Australian aviation history. Born on 9 February 1897, his pioneering spirit and exceptional piloting skills saw him achieve a series of world-first flights that fundamentally reshaped our understanding of global air travel. His distinguished military service, earning him the Military Cross (MC) for gallantry during World War I and the Air Force Cross (AFC) for courage in aviation, preceded his legendary civil aviation career, marking him as a truly courageous and skilled airman.

Kingsford Smith's legacy is defined by his audacious long-distance flights, which pushed the boundaries of aeronautical capability and connected continents in ways previously unimaginable. These were not merely journeys, but meticulously planned expeditions through uncharted skies, often in demanding conditions, requiring extraordinary navigation, endurance, and mechanical reliability. His achievements were a testament to the pioneering era of aviation, inspiring public imagination and laying critical groundwork for future commercial air routes.

Groundbreaking Achievements in Aviation

Kingsford Smith’s remarkable career is highlighted by several historic flights that established new benchmarks in aviation, forever etching his name into the annals of flight:

• First Transpacific Flight (United States to Australia) – 1928: This was arguably Kingsford Smith's most celebrated achievement. Piloting the iconic Fokker F.VIIb/3m trimotor, christened the "Southern Cross," he, along with co-pilot Charles Ulm, navigator James Warner, and radio operator Harry Lyon, embarked from Oakland, California, on 31 May 1928. After challenging legs via Honolulu, Hawaii, and Suva, Fiji, they landed triumphantly in Brisbane, Australia, on 9 June 1928. The journey covered approximately 11,560 kilometers (7,180 miles) over 83 hours and 38 minutes of flying time, marking the first successful aerial crossing of the vast Pacific Ocean and profoundly influencing the development of long-haul air travel.
• First Non-stop Crossing of the Australian Mainland – 1928: Shortly after his transpacific triumph, Kingsford Smith continued to break records within Australia. In August 1928, he completed the first non-stop flight across the Australian mainland, again flying the "Southern Cross," this time from Point Cook (near Melbourne) to Perth, Western Australia. This landmark flight demonstrated the feasibility of rapid coast-to-coast air travel within the continent, significantly reducing travel times between Australia's eastern and western shores.
• First Flights Between Australia and New Zealand – 1928: Later the same year, Kingsford Smith extended his pioneering spirit across the challenging Tasman Sea, a stretch of water notorious for its unpredictable weather. In September 1928, he piloted the "Southern Cross" from Richmond (near Sydney) to Christchurch, New Zealand, completing the first air crossing of the notoriously turbulent Tasman. He subsequently made the return flight, firmly establishing an aerial link between the two nations, which was a significant step towards regular airmail and passenger services across this often-treacherous expanse.
• First Eastward Pacific Crossing (Australia to United States) – 1934: Demonstrating the two-way viability of transpacific air travel, Kingsford Smith completed the first eastward crossing of the Pacific from Australia to the United States. Again utilizing the steadfast "Southern Cross," he departed from Seven Hills, Sydney, and successfully reached Oakland, California, via Hawaii. This flight further affirmed the potential for commercial air routes spanning the world's largest ocean.
• Record-Breaking Flight from Australia to London – 1930: Kingsford Smith also made significant contributions to the speed record between Australia and England, a highly competitive and prestigious route at the time. In October 1930, flying a smaller, faster Percival Gull monoplane named the "Southern Cross Minor," he set a new record by completing the journey from Australia to London in an astonishing 10.5 days. This dramatically reduced previous travel times, showcasing advancements in aircraft design and piloting endurance, and inspiring the race for faster global connections.

Legacy and Disappearance

Sir Charles Kingsford Smith’s life was tragically cut short on 8 November 1935, when he disappeared over the Andaman Sea with co-pilot Tommy Pethybridge during an attempt to break the Australia-England speed record for a second time, flying the "Lady Southern Cross." Despite his untimely demise, his contributions to aviation were immense. He not only set numerous records but also inspired a generation, demonstrating the immense potential of air travel and consistently pushing the boundaries of human endeavor. Kingsford Smith remains an enduring icon in Australian history and a revered figure in global aviation, remembered for his courage, skill, and indelible mark on flight.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sir Charles Kingsford Smith

Who was Sir Charles Kingsford Smith?

Sir Charles Edward Kingsford Smith, popularly known as "Smithy," was a decorated Australian aviator who became famous for his pioneering long-distance flights in the 1920s and 1930s. He was a WWI veteran, awarded the Military Cross and Air Force Cross, before becoming one of the most significant figures in early civil aviation, renowned for his courage and technical prowess.

What was the "Southern Cross"?

The "Southern Cross" was the iconic Fokker F.VIIb/3m trimotor aircraft that Sir Charles Kingsford Smith primarily used for his most famous record-breaking flights, including the first transpacific crossing, the non-stop Australian mainland flight, and the first Australia-New Zealand flights. It is now preserved and displayed at Brisbane Airport, Australia.

What was Kingsford Smith's most significant achievement?

While all his flights were remarkable, his most significant achievement is widely considered to be the first transpacific flight from the United States to Australia in 1928. This monumental journey demonstrated the viability of long-distance oceanic flight and opened up the vast Pacific to air travel, fundamentally changing global transportation prospects.

How did Kingsford Smith die?

Sir Charles Kingsford Smith disappeared on 8 November 1935, along with his co-pilot Tommy Pethybridge, over the Andaman Sea during an attempt to break the Australia-England speed record in his aircraft, the "Lady Southern Cross." Neither he nor his co-pilot were found, although wreckage believed to be from his plane was discovered years later. His death remains one of aviation's enduring mysteries.