Jean Batten's Smiths Dash Clock: A Testament to Pioneering Aviation
Jean Batten, a pioneering aviator from New Zealand, relied heavily on a Smiths dash clock during her record-breaking flights in the 1930s. This clock, now housed at the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) in Auckland, was crucial for navigation during her solo flights, including the first direct flight from England to New Zealand. The dash clock, along with other navigational tools like a compass and map, helped Batten calculate drift, speed, and course adjustments over vast oceanic distances. The clock's worn condition reflects its extensive use in critical moments of Batten's aviation career. 
