Lieutenant James Stuart Leslie Ross , AFC . Ross , a navigator and wireless operator , and Lieutenant Roger Douglas , MC , DCM , Australian Flying Corps AFC ( pilot ) comprised the The Australian crew of the Allliance single engined biplane " The Endeavour " that competed in the Commonwealth sponsored air race from England to Australia . The two Australians departed within a day or so of most of the other competitors but were killed within the hour when their specially designed aircraft spiralled into the ground at suburban Surbiton . 13 November 1919