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Sydney, NSW

17 February, 1920

Vimy mechanic Wally Shiers and his sweetheart Helena Alford were married at a swish garden party in Sydney on the morning of 17 February, before heading to the Blue Mountains for a short honeymoon. Helena had been waiting in Narrandera, NSW, for almost five years for Wally to finish with the War and the Great Air Race. Ross Smith was best man, and according to one newspaper report he leaned over and stole the first kiss when Wally and Helena were pronounced man and wife!