Serpentine Air Race centenary plaque to be unveiled

Published on 30 October 2020

The East Loddon Historical Society will commemorate 100 years since the Second Peace Loan Aerial Derby, which started from Serpentine, with an unveiling of a plaque on Remembrance Day.

The aerial derby is recognised as Australia’s first official air race.

The bronze plaque highlights the names of the four pilots and four mechanics that flew in the original race as well as the aerial derby organiser.

East Loddon Historical Society Historian Mary Davidson said the original race day actually took place on 27 August 1920.

“However COVID-19 restrictions this year meant the ceremony to commemorate the 100-year anniversary on 27 August was unable to go ahead.

“With the easing of these restrictions, the ceremony is now planned for 11 November – with a limit of 10 guests as per current restrictions.

“Other members of the public wanting to witness this special event are more than welcome to attend, but strict COVID-19 restrictions will apply,” Ms Davidson added.

The plaque has been designed by Amanda Rudkins of Prairie and made by D P Jones of Kyabram.

“Funding for the plaque has been supported by a bequest of Mary Kentish of Pompapiel, who was a very keen supporter of the East Loddon Historical Society,” Ms Davidson added.

The plaque is interplayed with the logo used by the East Loddon Historical Society for the planned Wings of Peace centenary commemoration (1920 to 2020) event featuring the Serpentine Air Race.

Originally scheduled in March this year, the Serpentine Air Race has been postponed until Sunday 28 February 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following the unveiling of the centenary plaque will be a launch of the book Serpentine Air Race, Celebrating Australia's First Official Air Race: The Historical Story of the Aerial Derby and the Second Peace Loan.

The book has been published by the East Loddon Historical Society Inc.

The 2020 centenary plaque will be placed in TJ Rudkins Reserve, on the 1983 Australia Day ceremony monument, which also features a propeller monument and plaque commemorating the Aerial Derby.

For more information regarding the plaque unveiling, contact Elizabeth McGauchie on     0427 840 139.

To find out more about the Serpentine Air Race event on 28 February next year visit https://serpentineairrace.com.au/