Badge - K.B.E.

Details

ProvenanceSir Ross Smith and Sir Keith Smith were awarded Knighthoods of the British Empire Order, Civil Division, on the 22nd December 1919. The knighthood was awarded in recognition of their contributions to aviation, in particular, being the first men to complete the first flight from England to Australia in under thirty days. Although both brothers recieved the honour, this particular medal belonged to Sir Keith Smith.SignificancePart of the Historical Relics Collection. In May 1919, the Commonwealth Government of Australia offered a prize of £10,000 for the first flight from Great Britain to Australia. The competition, announced by then Prime Minister Billy Hughes, was open only to Australian nationals and had to be achieved by 31 December 1919. There were many specific conditions to the competition, one being that the journey must be completed within 30 consecutive days. Six crews began the race, however it was Ross Smith, Keith Smith, James Bennett, and Wally Shiers who won the competition, arriving at Port Darwin on 10 December 1919 in their Vickers Vimy G-EAOU. Born and bred in Adelaide, South Australia, the Smith Brothers made invaluable advancements in the global aeronautical industry, bringing international renown to South Australia. This medal recognises these contributions. Since 1937, the KBE medal has featured the effigies of King George V and Mary of Teck in the centre, making Smith's medal a rare example of the appearance of Britannia.DescriptionSilver gilt and red enamel badge shaped in the form of a cross patonce. In the centre of the cross is a circular disc which features the figure of Britannia holding a trident and pointing forward with an outstretched arm. A red band encircles the illustration, with 'FOR GOD AND THE EMPIRE' clearly written in gold. The back of the badge has a shaped bar to a hook clasp.Acknowledgement Date of Creationc1919Date of Usage1920Accession NumberHT 2001.0124

Image Credits

Image FilenameHT2001-0124_CI1850.jpgCopyrightHistory Trust of South AustraliaLicenseCC-0PhotographerRachel Harris, Bit Scribbly Design

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