HISTORY

One of Bert Hinkler’s planes was suspended from the ceiling of the old museum in Gregory Terrace. DIANA HACKER marvels that man has been on the moon since Hinkler’s historic flight to Brisbane.

“Hinkle Hinkle little star, 16 days and here you are!” These were some of the newspaper headlines in 1928, when Bert Hinkler arrived in Brisbane.

His solo flight from London to Brisbane proved that long distance flight was possible, although his 16-day triumph was a far cry from the 24 hours it now takes for up to 500 passengers to enjoy the comfort of inflight meals and movies.

Born in Bundaberg on December 8, 1892, Herbert John Louis was the son of John Hinkler, a stockman who had migrated from Germany and a hometown girl, Frances Bonney.

Bert’s early employment was with a photographer, and at the local sugar mill and a foundry.

He joined the Brisbane Aero Club and continued his aeronautical interest, experimenting with gliders. He built two and also studied mechanics.

Eager to learn more, he sailed for England in 1913 and joined the Sopwith factory.

He flew as a pilot/gunner during World War I, although he didn’t particularly enjoy it.

His first real air adventure was a 9 ½ hour flight to Italy, which he first intended to be a flight to Australia.

He shipped his aircraft to Australia and performed some exhibition flights before returning to the UK.

For his successful flight aboard G-EBOV, the Australian government awarded him £2000.

Returning to England, Bert logged many hours and was successful in winning several air race trophies in the United States, Canada and Europe.

On May 21, 1932, he married Florence Small in Connecticut and the following year once more set off for Australia.

This time he was flying a Puss Moth and departed Heathrow in the middle of winter, on January 7 – and disappeared.

His crashed plane and body were found in the Italian Alps on April 27. He had survived the crash and died outside the wreckage.

Hinkler was buried in Florence with full military honours.

Two of his aircraft are preserved in the Queensland Museum. www.vetcare2u.com.au

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