TAHS
When Norman Chapman flew his Gipsy Moth VH-URG across Bass Strait in February 1931, it was reported in the Hobart Mercury (26 Feb 1931, page 5):
He was accompanied by Miss J. Bunty, who flew from Sydney with him. The other occupant of the machine was a small white bull-terrier pup. Mr. Chapman, who was trailing some distance behind the other machines, effected a neat landing in a paddock at Bridport, where it was deemed necessary to come to earth to replenish the petrol supply. This done, he came on, and landed at the Western Junction aerodrome shortly after 3 p.m.
Was this was the first time a pet had been flown across Bass Strait?