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Sir Charles Kingsford Smith's For Further Information: Sponsored by: JOIN IN THE CELEBRATION OF Follow the anniversary celebrations on Facebook: Gerringong & District Historical Society Inc. www. https://www.facebook.com/ Berry & District Historical Society Inc. THE TH kingsfordsmith80th Kiama Municipal Council Cultural Grants Program 80 ANNIVERSARY W: www.gerringonghistory.org.au National arksP and Wildlife Service E: [email protected] OF Gerroa Community Association Historic Aircraft Restoration Society d R Gerringong RSL r e iv R Gerringong Lions Club d Gerrringong ke o GERROA o Gerringong Probus Club Sir Charles r C Gerringong Sunrise Rotary d Sir Kingsford Gerringong Golf Club Kingsford Smith’s er R Smith Riv H d Memorial e 1933 Trans-Tasman Flight e Riv a k Park d Berry Computers for Seniors o la To Black erl nd Head o eigh Avenue D r Cr St iv Reserve a e Haelo Design f ord Stree To Berry Beach Reserve t Hand operated pump used on the beach for refuelling SEVEN-MILE BEACH, GERROA TO NEW PLYMOUTH, NEW ZEALAND CELEBRATIONS FROM 4TH – 13TH JANUARY 2013 Smithy leaned out of the cockpit and called “Cheerio n the early hours of 11th January 1933, before a everyone” and received a tremendous reply of “Good Luck! The Program Cheerio!” cheeringI crowd of more than 1000 people, The Southern Friday 4th January 2013, 7.30pm Cross prepared for take off at Seven Mile Beach, Gerroa. “The plane took off splendidly after a run of about half a mile and turned at the end of the beach, sending up several Screening of the 1946 film “Smithy” This was to be the first commercial Trans-Tasman flight. plus historic newsreel. On board was the crew of three and two passengers: Sir Verey lights. Then she came back right over the surf shed Gerringong Town Hall. Entry free. Post-film supper $5. Charles Kingsford Smith (Pilot), Captain PG Taylor (Co-Pilot), again, with the searchlight on, and after circling made Mr John SW Stannage (Wireless Operator), Mr SE Nielson straight out to sea, the only lights visible being those in the (Secretary, New Plymouth and New Zealand Aero Clubs) cabin” Friday 11th January 2013, 7.30pm and Mr James Percival (Journalist). In addition the plane Kiama Independent, January 14, 1933 Special Guest Speaker: Michael Molkentin, author of ‘The Southern Cross’ and Kenny Arnott, grandson of was carrying 660 gallons of petrol, 30 gallons of oil and the PG Taylor, co-pilot on the flight. recently released film “Air Mail”. The flight was reportedly uneventful with fine weather Supper provided, $10 at the door. Prior to the flight, the Southern Cross had been guarded throughout, however, they were blown further south than Gerringong Town Hall. by 10 policemen, protection against sightseers and anticipated causing them to exceed their 13hour target. souvenir hunters. The crowd on the beach had gathered The flight took 14hours and 10minutes and The Southern Saturday 12th January, 8.30am - 11 am throughout the day, picnicking parties of Mums, Dads Cross was greeted in New Plymouth, New Zealand at 7pm Gerroa Markets plus a display of Smithy memorabilia. and children. Meanwhile the crew prepared for the flight, (5pm Sydney time). Gerroa Neighbourhood Centre, re-fuelling the plane and making use of the Berry Surf Shed Sir Charles Kingsford Smith was born in Queensland in 37 Stafford Street, Gerroa where they collated weather reports and rested. They 1897. He is famous nationally and internationally for his many waited for low tide. Smithy was awakened at midnight and pioneering flights and his war service. He was knighted in 1932 th Saturday 12th January, 11.30am - 12.30pm given a favourable weather report. Farewells were made, for services to aviation. On the 8 November 1935, he and co-pilot Tommy Pethybridge, disappeared over the Formal welcome ceremony and recognition of visitors the plane taxied up the beach from south to north along a and locals who were on the beach in 1933. runway illuminated on the port side by car headlights and Andaman Sea, while on a flight from India to Singapore. Black Head Reserve, Stafford Street, Gerroa. burning oil drums and starboard by the rolling breakers. Their bodies were never recovered. Saturday 12th January 9am - 2pm Classic Motorbikes, Vintage Cars, HARS Museum Display, Smithy Memorabilia, Gerringong Lions Club B.B.Q, Kite making & flying, Games for children. Beach Road Picnic Area, Seven Mile Beach National Park Saturday 12th January, 1pm “1000 People on the Beach” It is said there were 1000 people on the beach in 1933 to farewell Smithy and wish him well – join us to re-enact the assembly of 1000 people on the beach. Beach Road Picnic Area, Seven Mile Beach National Park Sunday 13th January, 9am -12noon Family Golf Day at the Gerringong Golf Course. $20 per family. The Southern Cross being re-fuelled, watched by local onlookers, 10th January, 1933. Cover Image: The flight left the beach at 2.50am 11th January 1933 for Portrait of Sir Charles Edward Kingsford Smith New Plymouth in New Zealand, arrrived 5pm Sydney time. National Library of Australia: vn3424257 14hours and 10mins..
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