Curator Talks

Stories from the Stacks

The stories that make us.

Stories from the stacks

Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith

The following episodes of Stories from the Stacks feature items from the State Library of South Australia's collection that were either used by the crew during the Great Air Race of 1919, were relevant to the crew members, or were inspired by the race.

Presented by Carolyn Spooner, Librarian at the State Library of South Australia and curator of the Heroes of the Skies exhibition held in 2019.

Under each episode, you will find images and links to the items being discussed.

Music featured in the video is an instrumental version of the song Enough, composed and performed by Steve Lennox, from his album In the Lighter Dark.

The Intercom Booklet. In this episode of Stories from the Stacks, Carolyn talks about the Intercom Book that the crew used to communicate during the Great Air Race of 1919.

A page from the Intercom book of Vimy G-EAOU used during England-Australia flight. SLSA: PRG 18/30/6

The first airmail between England and Australia. In this episode of Stories from the Stacks, Carolyn talks about the very first airmail to arrive in Australia from England, which the crew travelled with during the Great Air Race of 1919.

The outer envelope from the Prime Minister's Department, in which the original letter and envelope were inside, was forwarded to Dora Horwood. SLSA: D 7813/3 (L)

A sample of the First Aerial Post stamp used for the post onboard the Vickers Vimy flight during the Great Air Race of 1919. SLSA: PRG 301

The original envelope bearing a 'first aerial mail' stamp and was addressed to Miss Horwood. SLSA: D 7813/12(L)

Letter, dated 9 November 1919, written just prior to departure from England by Ross Smith to Dora Horwood, and then carried on the historic flight from England to Australia. SLSA: D 7813/1(L)

Envelope carrying the letter from Ross Smith to Miss Annie Wood of Linden Park dated 9 November 1919, with violet cachet 'Per Vickers "Vimy" Aeroplane to Australia', carried in the Vimy Vickers during the England-Australia Air Race.9 November 1919. SLSA: PRG 18/28/29/2

Letter from Ross Smith to Miss Annie Wood of Linden Park dated 9 November 1919, with violet cachet 'Per Vickers "Vimy" Aeroplane to Australia', carried in the Vimy Vickers during the England-Australia Air Race.9 November 1919. SLSA: PRG 18/28/29/1

Ross Smith standing by the Vickers Vimy, speaking with Lieutenant Hudson Fysh and other officials after landing in Darwin, the final stage of the England-Australia air race. SLSA: PRG 18/9/3/1B

Vickers Vimy and crew arriving in Darwin, 10 December 1919. SLSA: PRG 18/55/5

Ross Smith addressing a crowd in Darwin, 10 December 1919. SLSA: B 58872

Navigating the Great Air Race. In this episode of Stories from the Stacks, Carolyn talks about the map and ruler that Keith Smith used to navigate the race Great Air Race of 1919. Also featured is a quote from Ross Smith’s book, and the Tallis map of South Australia that travelled into space with astronaut Andy Thomas!

Folding steel ruler manufactured by Chesterman Sheffield (England). The metal ruler measures 21 inches long when unfolded, and consists of seven pieces each three inches long, which fold together to a compact form 3 cm x 1 cm x 0.5 cm. SLSA: PRG 18/43/8/3

Inside page of the book 14,000 miles through the air, written by Sir Ross Smith, 1922.

Tallis map of part of South Australia, ca. 1851. The map drawn and engraved by J. Rapkin. The illustrations by H. Warren and engraved by J. Rogers. SLSA: C 1112

The Great Air Race board game. In this episode of Stories from the Stacks, Carolyn talks about a board game that was created to celebrate the race Great Air Race of 1919. The game forms part of the State Library of South Australia’s Children’s Literature and Research Collection. The donor of the game was Thomas Venables Holland.

Image of the 'The Sir Ross Smith' Aeroplane Race Game. You can download the game here.

Music and the Great Air Race. In this episode of Stories from the Stacks, Carolyn features the sheet music and song Our Flying Boys, written and composed by Emma Ronchetti-Allin and Jack Fewster, which was inspired by the Great Air Race and dedicated to the Vickers Vimy crew.

"Dedicated to the Vickers Vimy crew". Cover carries portraits of J.M. Bennett, Ross Smith, Keith Smith, and W.H. Shiers in uniform. Sheet music composed and written by Emma Ronchetti-Allin and Jack Fewster. SLSA: ZSM 0689

Front cover of The Chronicle, 19 January 1924, which features an article and image of Emma Ronchetti-Allin. SLSA: South Australianan Collection

Image of Emma Ronchetti-Allin in The Chronicle newspaper dates 19 January 1924. South Australiana Collection

The Dame Nellie Melba letter. In this episode of Stories from the Stacks, Carolyn talks about how the Smith brothers were celebrated in England after the Great Air Race of 1919. They had many fans, Dame Nellie Melba being one who performed at a concert attended by the brothers.

Ross Smith (left) and Keith Smith (right) with Edward Prince of Wales (centre) after presenting a lecture on their England to Australia flight in London. An advertisement for the lecture can be seen in the background. SLSA: PRG 18/10/6

Ross and Keith Smith in a car outside Buckingham Palace, after Keith received his knighthood as a member of the Order of the British Empire (K.B.E.) from King George V, in recognition of the England-Australia flight. A crowd of well-wishers is gathered around the car. SLSA: PRG 18/10/4

Portrait of Dame Nellie Melba, described in the caption as 'a great opera singer', circa 1890. SLSA: PRG 280/1/2/504

Envelope of the letter Dame Nellie Melba sent to Sir Ross Smith. SLSA: South Australiana Collection

Letter written by Dame Nellie Melba to Sir Ross Smith. SLSA: South Australiana collection