85 Years Ago Today - The Southern Cross Conquers the Tasman

[Dave Homewood]

On the 11th of September 1928 the Southern Cross, a Fokker Trimotor VH-USU, set off from Richmond Aerodrome, Sydney, and crossed the Tasman Sea and touched down at Wigram Aerodrome, Christchurch. This was the first successful aerial crossing of the Tasman, one of the last unflown bodies of water at the time.

The Crew were:
S/Ldr Charles Kingsford Smith (Pilot, Australian)
F/Lt Charles Ulm (Co-pilot, Australian)
Harry Litchfield (Navigator, Australian) and
Tom McWilliam (Radio Operator, New Zealander)

This incredible feat ignited the New Zealand public's interest in aviation and resulted in aero clubs and aerodromes being established around New Zealand.

[DH82EH]

That's cool Dave.
A positive thing to commemorate September 11. I like it.
I also like to see a bit of Commonwealth pride.

Cheers

Andy Scott

[Invader26]

Drove past the "Old Bus" today>>>