The Royal Aero Club of New South Wales timber shield

The Royal Aero Club of N.S.W. was founded in November 1920 by the aviators of the Australian Flying Corps upon their return from the Great War.
The Aero Club movement was sanctioned by the Federal Government as a potential source of pilots in the event of war. To support the movement, ex-RAAF training aircraft, specifically the de Havilland DH60 Moth were 'lent' to the aero clubs to assist their operations. In 1926, the R.A.C. of N.S.W. received their first three aircraft - de Havilland Moths - and the shield reflects those who were instrumental in the formation of the club. Sir Keith Smith was one of the first committee members. He had recently completed the first flight from England to Australia in December 1919.

According to the Powerhouse Collection:
"Prior to the establishment of the Aero Clubs private flying was, to a large degree, the province of ex-WW1 pilots and the only training aircraft were ex-WW1 aircraft. The arrival of the DH60 Moth gave the movement an aircraft capable of being safely handled by the novice pilot and private flying became far more popular. The club amenities, the social aspects such as 'picnic' flying and competitions were attractive to the wealthier class but others who could acquire the finances to learn to fly were also able to become members. Basically the Aero Club movement fostered general aviation in Australia."