Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines

For eight days in 1931 the world was glued to its radio sets following the exploits of a native American Indian, Wiley Post, and a young man from Campbell Town.

Local school teacher's son, Harold Gatty was on his way to making history as the two of them flew around the world in 8 days and 15 hours - a feat never before achieved.  He is the only person from Campbell Town, and perhaps Tasmania, ever to be honoured with a ticker tape parade through New York.  Although he was offered American citizenship for his achievement he declined and Congress passed a special act to award him the US Distinguished Flying Cross.  Years later many American military pilots who had to ditch into the sea owed their survival to him too.  He developed a navigation system and survival guide - 'The Raft Book' that the US military used for several decades. 

A memorial to Harold Gatty was erected in his home town and can be viewed near Campbell Town's northern entrance.