Summary

Booklet with loose route map, printed by the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) in 1934 as a guide to the Centenary Air Race. The booklet contains information about the route, the pilots and the planes, and features a number of black and white photographs.

The race, from England to Australia, was one of the more ambitious celebratory events held during Victoria's centenary year. It saw 20 aeroplanes set out from Mildenhall near London for Flemington Racecourse. The event was proposed by Melbourne's Lord Mayor Harold Gengoult-Smith in 1930, who perceived it as a means to demonstrate Australia's close link with England. A sponsor was sought and found in the chocolate manufacturer and self-promoter Sir Macpherson Robertson. He stipulated that the race be named after him and that it 'be organised to be as safe as possible'. Twelve of the 20 competitors made it safely to Melbourne. The winning crew of Charles Scott and Tom Campbell Black, flying the Comet 'Grosvenor House', completed the course in just under three days.

Physical Description

Paper booklet, stapled on spine. Front cover features a black and white image of airborne bi-planes, with an image of Australia in the top left corner. Text and black & white photographs throughout.

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