Over 100 years ago a boy born in Moorabbin became involved in the development of the most sophisticated aircraft of the First World War. He was already world-famous for his record breaking flights and attempts and as the most daring aviator of his time. Harry Hawker went on to break altitude records during the First World War and after made the first attempt to cross the north Atlantic. When Tom Sopwith had to liquidate his now world-famous company he partnered with his chief test pilot Harry Hawker and started Hawker aviation later to become Hawker Siddeley.
Now 100 years from his most important work Harry Hawker is mostly forgotten to the area in the state where he was born. In this period of commemoration for the First World War and the many tragedies that Australian soldiers had to endure it is time to remember one of the great successes and positive stories of that sad period.
The Harry Hawker Pioneer aviator society is committed to commemorate Harry Hawker and many of his associates and friends that contributed so greatly to aviation in the First World War. Most of these men were Victorian and some of them became famous in other fields later on in their lives. It is the story of Harry Hawker that will bring the stories of these men to life again.
The first projects are around the Moorabbin and Highett area to commemorate Harry Hawker's life and his childhood. Later our projects will concentrate on his work with Sopwith and his friends and family.
The first firm projects will be:
1. Signage for the Harry Hawker Centenary of Federation Hall at Moorabbin primary school.
2. A plaque promised by Kingston Council on the corner of Wickham Road and Nepean Highway Highett.
3. Rededication of Mary Hawker's unmarked grave at Brighton Cemetery.
4. Replacement of a remove plaque at St Kilda primary school.
Harry Hawker was recently inducted into the Aviation Hall of Fame at the University of Sturt, Wagga Wagga New South Wales. This achievement has recognised Harry Hawker as one of aviation is notable heroes and has gained awarded his name as one of Australia's Pioneer aviators.
At the dedication of Harry Hawker's memorial at Moorabbin airport in 1967, it was said that Harry would be an inspiration to young and old for generations. We will again make Harry Hawker an inspiration to the young people of Moorabbin, Highett, Melbourne and Victoria and remind everybody of his brave, energetic and inventive family and friends.
Now 100 years from his most important work Harry Hawker is mostly forgotten to the area in the state where he was born. In this period of commemoration for the First World War and the many tragedies that Australian soldiers had to endure it is time to remember one of the great successes and positive stories of that sad period.
The Harry Hawker Pioneer aviator society is committed to commemorate Harry Hawker and many of his associates and friends that contributed so greatly to aviation in the First World War. Most of these men were Victorian and some of them became famous in other fields later on in their lives. It is the story of Harry Hawker that will bring the stories of these men to life again.
The first projects are around the Moorabbin and Highett area to commemorate Harry Hawker's life and his childhood. Later our projects will concentrate on his work with Sopwith and his friends and family.
The first firm projects will be:
1. Signage for the Harry Hawker Centenary of Federation Hall at Moorabbin primary school.
2. A plaque promised by Kingston Council on the corner of Wickham Road and Nepean Highway Highett.
3. Rededication of Mary Hawker's unmarked grave at Brighton Cemetery.
4. Replacement of a remove plaque at St Kilda primary school.
Harry Hawker was recently inducted into the Aviation Hall of Fame at the University of Sturt, Wagga Wagga New South Wales. This achievement has recognised Harry Hawker as one of aviation is notable heroes and has gained awarded his name as one of Australia's Pioneer aviators.
At the dedication of Harry Hawker's memorial at Moorabbin airport in 1967, it was said that Harry would be an inspiration to young and old for generations. We will again make Harry Hawker an inspiration to the young people of Moorabbin, Highett, Melbourne and Victoria and remind everybody of his brave, energetic and inventive family and friends.