Smith, Ross Macpherson, Sir, 1919-1920, Manuscript, PRG 18/29/2/IBC
Photocopy of the Aeroplane Log Book for the Vickers Vimy G-EAOU flown by Ross and Keith Smith during their inaugural England-Australia flight. Featuring an Aeronautical Inspection Department Report for the Aircraft type F.B.27A, machine number F.8630, contract no.35A/1257/G1166, Rolls Royce engine Eagle 8, aircraft built by Vickers Limited, Weybridge, and delivered at Eastleigh on 2 October 1919. Log features a listing of flight instruments and makers. The aircraft was at the Vickers Works, Weybridge, from 26 October 1919 to 11 November 1919 being prepared for the Australian flight. Flight log entries containing mention of the entire Australian flight crew of pilots Captain Ross Smith and Lieutenant Keith Smith, and Sergeants J.M.Bennett and W.H.Shiers as passengers begin on 12 November 1919 at Hounslow and ending 5 April 1920 with Adelaide to Melbourne flight. Log signed off by Keith and Ross Smith on 19 March 1920 with the aircraft, engines and spare parts being handed over to the Australian Commonwealth Government on behalf of Vickers Limited, London.