First flight over Adelaide

On the back of the photograph is written: 'First successful aeroplane flight over Adelaide (A.W. Jones, pilot) / Jan. 2, 1914.' The small bi-plane flies over a perfect snapshot of North Terrace.

The Daily Herald reported on 3 January 1914 (p5) 'The air above Adelaide had been successfully negotiated in the Caudron biplane, and the 23 year-old aviator had attained the distinction of being the first man to fly over the Queen City of the South.'

Arthur Jones had taken off from Cheltenham Racecourse at 6.30am. After flying over the city he turned back to Cheltenham but went off course to the north before returning to his correct course. This meant that he ran out of petrol with Cheltenham in sight and was forced to make a crash landing. Luckily his only injuries were a strained left arm and cuts to his knees and mouth.

The Border Watch newspaper, 3 January 1914 (p3), quoted Mr Jones as saying: 'The heart-breaking part is that a cupful of petrol would have saved it all. Had I enough to last me one second I would have come down safely.' The whole flight had lasted about 16 minutes.