Jimmy Melrose
Charles James (Jimmy) Melrose (1913-1936)
During the glamorous mid-1930s, few rivalled the celebrity of charismatic South Australian aviator Jimmy Melrose. Imagine a young, 19 year old boy, 6 feet tall, blue eyes, unruly blond hair with a freckled face.
Born in Burnside and raised here along Glenelg’s Esplanade at Glenwood Mansions (now Melrose Apartments), Jimmy captivated the world with his aviation exploits across the globe. He established several Australian flying records and set world records, all within three short years. In August 1934, Jimmy flew his DH Puss Moth affectionately named 'My Hildergarde', 8000 miles (12,875 km) solo around Australia. Reducing the previous record by almost two days, to 5 days, 10 hours, 57 minutes.
Tragically, on 5 July 1936, aged 22, Jimmy died on a charter flight from Melbourne to Darwin when his Heston Phoenix broke up over South Melton, Victoria in turbulent conditions. His death sent shock waves around the world as people mourned their 'chivalrous young knight of the air'.
