The maker of the envelope is unknown.

Charles Kingsford Smith, along with co-pilot P G Taylor and radio operator John Stannage, attempted to fly from Australia to New Zealand in the 'Southern Cross' to gain the contract for a trans-Tasman airmail service. The flight was also to celebrate the 25th Jubilee of King George V. They encountered engine trouble halfway across the Tasman Sea and were saved by Taylor climbing out of the cockpit and transferring oil from one engine to another using a thermos flask and a leather suitcase. For this action, Taylor received an Empire Gallantry Medal, later changed to a George Cross. The cargo and most of the mail bags were dumped and the plane and its crew returned to Sydney.

The suitcase is in the National Library of Australia collection.

Envelope, Jubilee air mail Australia to New Zealand, unused, signed, paper, maker unknown, Australia, 1935

Jubilee Air Mail envelope commemorating the reign of King George V and the fourth Australia-New Zealand-Australia flight by Charles Kingsford Smith. The decorative motif at the bottom of the envelope has the Australian continent, marked with Richmond, and an aircraft heading east. New Zealand, marked with New Plymouth, with an aircraft heading west is in the lower right corner of the envelope. Text is between the two countries. P G Taylor and John S W Stannage have signed the envelope.

Made: 1935

Signature on front of envelope, handwritten in black ink 'P. G. Taylor / (underline)'

Signature on front of envelope, handwritten in black ink 'John S. W. Stannage'

Notation on back of envelope, handwritten in pencil 'Sir Charles / Taylor. / Stannage.'

85/112-12

1935

88 mm

144 mm