Aviation History
See Captain 'Harry' Butler's Red Devil Bristol monoplane in a display hanger in Minlaton. It's believed to be the only genuine one of its kind left in the world, and attracts visitors from far and wide.
Harry's amazing life spanned from growing up in Minlaton, joining the Royal Flying Corps, becoming a fighter pilot in France, and aviation instructor in England, to flying the first mail delivery over the sea in South Australia, back to Minlaton.
His greatest achievement came in 1919 when he finally arrived home to Minlaton on a flight from Adelaide. Harry set off, facing gale force winds blowing at 110km/h, carrying an 18 kilogram mailbag of letters on board for delivery in Minlaton, 100 kilometres away.
The first mailbag ever to be delivered over the sea in South Australia arrived in Minlaton to a crowd of 6000 people, some who had never seen a plane flying before. After an exciting display, Harry set the Red Devil down at 11.45am, just in time for lunch that was planned for 12pm.
A wonderful display of Captain Butler's history and memorabilia can be found in the Minlaton National Trust Museum, Main Street, Minlaton. Read the full Harry Butler story at the District Council of Yorke Peninsula's website.
