This Vickers Vimy, G-EAOU (affectionately known as "God 'Elp All Of
Us"), was flown by the brothers Ross and Keith Smith, together with
mechanics Jim Bennett and Wally Shiers, to victory in the 1919 England
to Australia Air Race. In the process, they became the first people ever
to fly from England to Australia.
Built as a Vickers F.B.27A Vimy IV for the RAF, serial number F8630, it
was too late to see service in the Great War. However, Vickers were
persuaded to enter it in the England-Australia Air Race and converted it
with extra fuel tankage. The aircraft operated to a maximum weight of
13,000 lb (5,896 kg) and was powered by two Rolls Royce Eagle VIII
engines of 360 hp each. It was said that the starboard radiator had
already crossed the Atlantic on Alcock and Brown's famous flight!
The aircraft is today preserved in a specially-built enclosure at
Adelaide Airport.
--
Dave Swindell
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