A SPECIAL VISIT BY BERT HINKLER
Bert Hinkler was one of the world's foremost pioneers in aviation.
Born in Bundaberg , Queensland, he was fascinated by the idea of flight and went to England to learn the craft.
After a decorated career in the RAF during World War One, he became a designer and test pilot as well as holder of several records for distance flights. In February 1928 he became the first person to fly solo from London to Australia,
a journey that took him fifteen days to complete. An incredible journey that brought him World acclaim.
Born in Bundaberg , Queensland, he was fascinated by the idea of flight and went to England to learn the craft.
After a decorated career in the RAF during World War One, he became a designer and test pilot as well as holder of several records for distance flights. In February 1928 he became the first person to fly solo from London to Australia,
a journey that took him fifteen days to complete. An incredible journey that brought him World acclaim.
BERT HINKLER Coburg High School Links from 1928 to Now.
Captain Hinkler’s visit on March 28th 1928
Captain Hinkler visited the school assembly with his mother, brother, sister and aunt Mrs. Bonney and his cousin. Prefect, Ila Bonney, who had persuaded her cousin to visit Coburg High School.
Headmaster, Mr. Bennett welcomed him to praise his successful solo flight. After a rousing welcome, the school presented the school badge in gold, surmounted by a plain gold ring, which could be worn as a broach, perhaps by Mrs. Hinkler.
Captain Hinkler was somewhat overwhelmed by the applause and welcome.
He said, “Flying , by the time you are ready to use it, will be an established reality. At present people travel by trains, trams and motor cars because they think flying is dangerous, but they will soon begin to realise that flying is a practicable way of travelling. In your first days at school you will have time to experiment with flying models and these are interesting to see what you can do.
Today many people travel to northern Australia and visit Bundaberg, where they find the Hinkler Hall of Aviation. Interested ex students see the wonderful Bert Hinkler aviation story and displays of his aircraft. Also on site is the original house imported in pieces and assembled next door. Several have forwarded copies of the wonderful gold badge on display from his daughter, Paddy Canavan’s donations of memorabilia.
It is a sad footnote to this visit that, four years later, Bert Hinkler was tragically killed when his plane hit a mountain in Italy during an attempt to circumnavigate the world.
For further information about Bert Hinkler see http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/hinkler-herbert-john-bert-6680
Captain Hinkler’s visit on March 28th 1928
Captain Hinkler visited the school assembly with his mother, brother, sister and aunt Mrs. Bonney and his cousin. Prefect, Ila Bonney, who had persuaded her cousin to visit Coburg High School.
Headmaster, Mr. Bennett welcomed him to praise his successful solo flight. After a rousing welcome, the school presented the school badge in gold, surmounted by a plain gold ring, which could be worn as a broach, perhaps by Mrs. Hinkler.
Captain Hinkler was somewhat overwhelmed by the applause and welcome.
He said, “Flying , by the time you are ready to use it, will be an established reality. At present people travel by trains, trams and motor cars because they think flying is dangerous, but they will soon begin to realise that flying is a practicable way of travelling. In your first days at school you will have time to experiment with flying models and these are interesting to see what you can do.
Today many people travel to northern Australia and visit Bundaberg, where they find the Hinkler Hall of Aviation. Interested ex students see the wonderful Bert Hinkler aviation story and displays of his aircraft. Also on site is the original house imported in pieces and assembled next door. Several have forwarded copies of the wonderful gold badge on display from his daughter, Paddy Canavan’s donations of memorabilia.
It is a sad footnote to this visit that, four years later, Bert Hinkler was tragically killed when his plane hit a mountain in Italy during an attempt to circumnavigate the world.
For further information about Bert Hinkler see http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/hinkler-herbert-john-bert-6680
