airfields

nice plane :)

The aircraft in the photo is not a JN-4 "Jenny", But a SPAD 13. This was a French build Scout/Fighter of World War 1. It was Manufactured by the French Aircraft Company Societe Pour L'Aviation et ses Derives (SPAD). This Aircraft can be identified as a SPAD 13 rather than the SPAD 7 due to the presents of 2 Vickers machine guns seen on the top of the engine cowl in recessed pits, the SPAD 7 had but a single machine gun. This aircraft type was used extensively by the French Airforce during the War producing such ACES like the famous Georges Guynemer (SPAD 7/13) and was flown and equiped the American famous Lafayette Escadrille Squadron, which is why or likely why this aircraft found its way to Camp Rathbun.

petemillair Thanks for the clarification!

Obsessed with flying since he was a little boy, Hinkler's record flight was completed in just over 15 days, smashing the previous England-Australia record of 28 days. His arrival in Darwin on 22 February caused a media sensation, with the Queenslander achieving celebrity status. The Brisbane Courier newspaper voiced the opinions of its readers when it proclaimed, "Well done, Mr Hinkler! Australia is proud of you". On 27 February, Hinkler made a triumphant return to his hometown of Bundaberg to an enthusiastic welcome by a large crowd. The Brisbane Courier reported in detail the excitement as Hinkler's plane came in view - "When seen first the machine was coming through a V-shaped break in the clouds, flying high and the crowd went mad with enthusiasm... The speck grew larger, and then the plane came through the clouds, making a great picture with the sun in the background. Then Hinkler stunted, soaring then spiral diving, while the thrilled crowd cheered themselves hoarse. He half circled the arena, then the wings dipped, and he coasted downward, with great glide, the wheels touching the earth well inside the area... The crowd immediately got out of hand and surged forward in mad enthusiasm. With difficulty, a space was made through the crowd for Mrs.. Hinkler and the members of the family to greet the aviator on the side of the machine. Bert leaned out of the cockpit and there was an affecting scene of reunion. Then the crowd took possession of the intrepid aviator, and carried him shoulder high to the high-decked lorry". (Brisbane Courier, 28 February 1928, p.13) Source: slq.qld.gov.au/blog/bert-hinklers-record-flight-1928-mont....