This collection comprises papers relating to Andrew Delfosse Badgery in a mixture of formats and materials, some contemporary to Badgery’s life and some produced by third parties. Of note are a number of diaries which the donor accredit to Badgery himself, one which is of his early life and labelled as fragile, and one which was created during his time as a pilot in WWI. There is a large family tree, and numerous photographs, some stored as a collection in a single binder and some in his diaries. There is a lot of material relating to a biography of Badgery which the donor suggests was written by his son Peter, including several typed drafts, and correspondences with the Australian War Memorial and National Archives Australia regarding his service. There is also a biography of his son, as well as some articles written by the donor regarding Badgery.
Andrew Delfosse Badgery was a pioneer of Australian aviation, credited with building the first aeroplane in Australia. After finishing school, Badgery was employed as a junior clerk in the NSW Legislative Assembly. In September 1913, when approved a leave of absence, Badgery studied at the London Aerodrome and became a mechanical apprentice to the Ewen Company. He obtained his Aviator’s Certificate on 22nd December 1913. Upon returning to Australia in he became the sole Australian agent for Cuadron and Anzani engines and set to work building his first plane along with friend Sam Freshney. They assembled the first Australian built aircraft which was then the first aircraft to be flown in NSW on 8 July 1914, and later in Tasmania in September the same year piloted by Badgery. The two formed the Delfosse Badgery Aviation Company but plans to set up a flying school were put on hold with the call to join the Australian Flying Corp in 1915. Through his service Lt Delfosse Badgery was promoted to Captain and flight commander but returned home to Australia after an illness revealed a heart condition and in May of 1918. After returning to Sydney, Badgery worked at the NSW Legislative of Assembly and died 25th February 1965 at the age of 76.
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