THIS fellow was a Hero, Pioneer, Determined and Successful, 95, 80 and 40 years ago..
Charles Hillman, Observer 1915, Pilot 1916 Came to Australia in 1922, and then to Maryborough and established a Motor business. Owned first local aeroplane, a DH 60G Gypsy 1 engine VH-UJM from 1929 til about 1936
Apprentice Fitter and Machinist with Bellis and Morcom in England in 1912. They were one of the biggest in building marine engines and compressors at the time in the world. After serving three years as an apprentice, broke the apprenticeship and enlisted in the Army. Only in a week then volunteered as someone who wanted to fly. When he advised a Major Bush about the apprenticeship he was sent down to Cricklewood, just outside London, had a test, and passed out a Second Class Engineer on Gnome, Monosopape and Beardmore engines. Volunteered again to fly, and was sent to Hastings and qualified as Observer, August 1915, went on active service with 57 Squadron in France, flying and observing for all the Indian Batterys. Transferred to Royal Naval Air Service and sent back to Chatham for training in 1916 then sent to 119 Squadron in South-Eastern Command. South-Eastern Command had 118, 119, 120, 121, 122 Squadrons at Dunkirk. Qualified as a Pilot with this squadron in 1916. His Squadron Leader was Gerry Livstock. Came to Australia in 1922 and subsequently entered into business in Maryborough Qld. in a Motor business (Hillman and Loft). In 1926 renewed flying activities and enrolled with the Qld Aero Club which was operated by Qantas. Instructions by Lester Brain and subsequently obtained licence No. 352 at the hands of C.W.A.Scott. With Capt Jack Treacy, Charles Hillman was one of the pilots who escorted Sir Charles Kingsford Smith into Eagle Farm on his flight from the U.S.A. to Eagle Farm June 9th. 1928. Charles Hillman eventually established a business in Bundaberg, then, moved to a business (Hillman Motors P.L.)in Rockhampton. This business in Rockhampton became the biggest engine reconditioning business outside of Brisbane, engageing in General Engineering and Heavy Industry requirements for Moura Mines. He acquired large property interests in Rockhampton and Grazing interests in and around Rockhampton. He passed away on Dec.1st. 1978. He was a member of the Early Birds Q'land Division at the time of his death.