10 Facts about Charles Kingsford Smith

Let’s find out the interesting Facts about Charles Kingsford Smith in the below post. He was an early Australian aviator. People always called him Smithy. He was born on 9 February 1897 and died on 8 November 1935. He took the international popularity after he was able to make the first trans-Pacific flight from U.S. to Australia in 1928. Get more interesting facts about Charles Kingsford Smith below:

Facts about Charles Kingsford Smith 1: other records

There were many other records that Smith made during his life as an aviator. He also made the first flight between Australia and New Zealand, the first non-stop crossing in the Australian mainland and the first eastward pacific crossing to U.S. from Australia.  He also created a new record with only 10.5 days to reach London from Australia.

Facts about Charles Kingsford Smith 2: the early career

Smith was appointed as an engineering apprentice when he was 16 years old. He served in Colonial Sugar Refining Company. Then he joined Australian Army in 1915.  In 1917, he had his pilot’s wings.

Charles Kingsford Smith Facts

Facts about Charles Kingsford Smith 3: amputation

Smith had to lose a large part of his left foot when he was shot down.  He had amputation due to the injuries. At that time, he was with No.23 Squadron in August 1917. Due to his brave action, he was honored with Military Cross.

Facts about Charles Kingsford Smith 4: the commercial pilot license

On 2 June 1921, Smith applied for the license for commercial pilot.  He used Charles Edward Kingsford-Smith for his name.

Facts about Charles Kingsford Smith

Facts about Charles Kingsford Smith 5: the first trans-Pacific flight to Australia

The first trans-Pacific flight to Australia was conducted by Smith along with his four crews in the flight. It was started from Oakland, California at 8:54 a.m. on May 31st, 1928.

Facts about Charles Kingsford Smith 6: the three stages of flight

The flight was divided in three stages. The first one was from Oakland to Hawaii. Then the flight reached Suva Fuji before it landed on Brisbane. The length of the journey was 7,187 miles or 11,566 km. Find facts about Australia here.

Charles Kingsford Smith

Facts about Charles Kingsford Smith 7: as a hero

When Smith arrived, he was welcomed by 26,000 people who gathered at Eagle Farm Airport. The relief pilot was Charles Ulm. He was the Australian aviator.

Facts about Charles Kingsford Smith 8: the other crewmen

The other crewmen include the navigator and engineer, Captain Harry Lyon and the radio operator, James Warner.

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Facts about Charles Kingsford Smith 9: An Airman Remembers

An Airman Remembers is the title of a film biography of Kingsford Smith. It was owned by National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.

Facts about Charles Kingsford Smith 10: Knight Bachelor

Smith was a Knight Bachelor. During the King’s Birthday Honours in 1932, he was knighted. Get facts about Amelia Earhart here.

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