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P.G.
Taylor settles into the rear cockpit of the Altair at Mascot on 19
October 1934 as they prepare to depart for Brisbane at the commencement
of the Pacific flight. At the right wearing a hat is Lawrence Wackett
who designed the additional fuel tanks for the Altair. The mechanic
at left is unidentified but it can't be Tommy Pethybridge as he had
sailed for Fiji one week earlier on 11 October 1934. The faint writing
at the bottom of the image has been scribed into the emulsion of the
negative and when reversed appears to read; "Smithy and Taylor
to America 22/10/34" although this date, if interpreted correctly,
cannot be so as the aircraft was already in Fiji on that date. The
purpose of the reel on the wing walkway is unknown. It is tempting
to speculate on the contents of what appears to be a bag being handed
up to Bill Taylor. It could be the "various gadgets" that
comprise his navigational equipment or it could be the "shaving-kit
and pyjamas" that caused him to "feel a traitor" because
Smithy's "luggage is a tooth brush."
Source: State Library of NSW Ref: 9625857 |