Bert Hinkler

Herbert John Louis Hinkler, but better known as Bert Hinkler, was a pioneer Australian aviator. He was born in Bundaberg, Queensland, on December 8, 1892.

In his early life, he constructed and flew gliders on beaches near his hometown.

During the First World War, he served with the Royal Naval Air Service as gunner/observer, later as a pilot, and was awarded the DSM. After the war, he worked for the aircraft manufacturer A.V. Roe.

In 1928, he flew the first solo flight between England and Australia, departing England on February 7, and arriving in Darwin on February 22. The aircraft used was an Avro Avian, registration G-EBOV.

In 1933, he was successful in the first solo flight across the South Atlantic.

He died on January 7, 1933, while attempting another solo flight from England to Australia. He is buried in Florence.