SECTION OF RUDDER LINING, 'Kookaburra', and photographs (8)

Section of rudder lining bearing the pencilled inscription of the late Lt. Keith Anderson - the diary of the last days of Lt Keith Anderson who perished while searching for Kingsford Smith in 1929.
'Page 1
10/4/29 to /4/29
Force landed here 2.35 p.m. 10 April 1929 thru' push rod loosening No 2 cylinder cutting out (as at Algebucking S.A. on 9/4/1929, but temporarily fixed K.V.A.) exhaust valve & 25% h.p. Cleared bit of runway here which turned out just insufficient of engine coincidentally lost power. Since 12/4/1929 all efforts, of course same next to nil, thru having no water to drink except solutions of urine (with oil, petrol, methylate from compass) directed on obtaining sufficient power from engine to permit on successful take-off. No take-off able to be attempted since 11/4/29 due increased debility from thirst, heat, flies, & dust. Left Stuart (Alice Springs) 7.15a.m. local time and followed telegraph for 100 miles Page 2 which was intention. Cut off then direct for point between Wave Hill & Ord River Downs. On a/c crosswind & inaccurate compass & having practically only sun for guidance as large map showed only featureless desert determined to above or nor'ward of course, which am sure have done. As was in air for 7 hours & am pretty confident had "Duckpond" on my starboard, I figure my position to now be'

8 photographs: a) Tail of plane showing from where diary was cut
b) 'Kookaburra' at Broken Hill on this flight
c) Keith Vincent Anderson 1929
d) Keith Anderson and H.S. (Bobby) Hitchcock
e) Lt Eaton and Mr Moray at locality where plane was found - post where Hitchcock was first buried
f) Lt Keith Anderson before taking off at Sydney 7th April 1929
g) Tablet with inscription at Memorial
h) Memorial at Rawson Park, Northshore, Sydney

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History Collection

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