Bert Hinkler
1892 - 1933

Bert Hinkler was a test pilot in Hamble for many years.

Born in Bundaberg, Queensland in 1892, the son of a mill  worker, he was fascinated by flight. In 1911 and 1912, he built man-carrying gliders and flew them successfully at Mon Repos Beach near Bundaberg. 

In 1913, Bert Hinkler set off for England and worked for a while for the Sopwith Company.

He served with distinction during World War I and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. 

In 1919 he joined A.V.Roe & Co. in Southampton and Hamble and from 1921 -1926 was Chief Test Pilot.

He created many aviation records. His most renowned achievements include his pioneering solo flight from England to Australia in 1928 and the first solo flight across the South Atlantic in 1931. 

On the 7th January, 1933 Bert Hinkler was accidentally killed whilst attempting another solo flight from England to Australia. He is buried in Florence, Italy. 

As fascinating as Hinkler's life was there is an equally fascinating story of how the Hinkler House Memorial Museum took his house from Sholing, Thornhill and re-erected it in Australia!

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