Lynn Francis
My uncle, Joe Francis was taught to fly by Billy Stutt at Richmond, NSW, he passed out 2nd in stunting course at Gosport School of Special Flying, U.K., selected as RAF Pilot Instructor. Promoted to Lieut. 01/04/1918. Repatriated to Australia 07/2/20. Awarded British War & Victory Medals, mentioned in dispatches. He taught Reg Ansett to fly at the Victorian Aero Club at Essendon, Vic. Joe became the Chief Instructor of the Tasmanian Aero Club, he was the first flying instructor based at Western Junction, Launceston in 1930. At the end of 1934 it had 149 members (80 flyers) and 11 pilots trained. A DH60 Moth from the club is on display at The Power House Museum in Sydney.
