Henry Hampden Dutton
Henry Hampden Dutton | |
|---|---|
| Born | 13 February 1879 North Adelaide, South Australia |
| Died | 15 June 1932 (aged 53) |
| Occupation(s) | Pastoralist, motorist, yachtsman |
| Known for | First automobile expedition from Adelaide to Darwin (1908) |
Henry Hampden Dutton (13 February 1879 – 15 June 1932), commonly referred to as Harry Dutton, was a South Australian pastoralist recognized for completing the inaugural automobile expedition from Adelaide to Port Darwin in 1908.
He was born in North Adelaide to Henry Dutton, known as the "Squire of Anlaby" (1844–1914). His education included attendance at St. Peter's College, Lancing College, Essex, and Magdalen College, Oxford, where he participated in rowing against Cambridge and earned a Master of Arts degree.
An enthusiastic motorist, Dutton first attempted the Darwin journey in November 1907 alongside cyclist and mechanic Murray Aunger, driving a 20–24 h.p. Talbot. However, they abandoned the vehicle near Tennant Creek due to mechanical failure. They made a second attempt on 30 June 1908 with Ernest Allchurch joining them during the trip; the three men successfully completed the expedition on 20 August after retrieving the original Talbot. The car’s steel-studded Michelin tires performed without issue throughout.
A dedicated yachtsman as well, Dutton purchased the 36.5-foot auxiliary yacht Wyruna in late 1912, often mooring it at Victor Harbor or Kangaroo Island to transport family members between properties.
In 1914, he inherited the pastoral estate "Anlaby" near Kapunda. During World War One, while residing in London with his wife Emily, he was twice declined for military service due to a knee injury.
In 1921, Harry and Emily undertook a drive from Oodnadatta to Katherine, with Emily becoming the first woman to complete this route. He also accompanied geologist Sir Edgeworth David on an expedition exploring ice age evidence near the Finke River and joined Arctic explorer Vilhjalmur Stefansson on a Central Australian exploration in 1924.
His son Geoffrey described him as "short, witty and jolly," always impeccably dressed and appreciative of music-hall comedy.
Regarding his business interests, Harry and T. L. Browne acquired Corona Station in 1910 but sold it to notable pastoralist Sidney Kidman by 1917; Dutton divested his share in 1926.
In the early 1920s, Harry and Emily purchased Kalymna House as a residence for their sons John and Richard while they attended St. Peter's College.
Motoring pursuits
Harry had a strong passion for motoring and made an initial attempt to reach Darwin in November 1907 with cyclist-mechanic Murray Aunger (1878–1953) aboard a 20–24 h.p. Clemont Talbot, registered in South Australia as number 319 and nicknamed 'Angelina'. The four-cylinder engine featured dual ignition, four forward speeds plus reverse, capable of reaching speeds up to 50 mph (80 km/h). The vehicle was specially outfitted with storage compartments for supplies, capacity for 100 gallons of fuel, and steel-studded tires.
Their objective was to assess the car's durability rather than speed over the challenging 2,066-mile (3,325 km) route from Adelaide to Darwin. They departed on 25 November 1907. The Advertiser expressed confidence that motor traction would overcome the difficult terrain lacking established roads.
The Laura Standard noted their swift passage through Laura on 28 November. Following closely along the Overland Telegraph Line, they passed Leigh Creek on the same day, reached Hergott Springs (now Maree) by 29 November, and arrived at Coward Springs by 3 December. At Coward Springs, petrol cans previously dispatched had leaked and evaporated fuel, compelling them to load the Talbot onto a train bound for Oodnadatta to continue their journey.
They reached Charlotte Waters—their first station in the Northern Territory—on 9 December. By 27 December they reported impassable conditions beyond Tennant Creek due to heavy rainfall. Consequently, they left the car there and returned by pack horses to Oodnadatta with plans to resume after the wet season.
On 30 June 1908, Dutton and Aunger recommenced the trip in a similar vehicle joined en route by Ernest Allchurch, Telegraph Officer from Alice Springs. The trio completed the expedition on 20 August after retrieving the original Talbot en route. The car’s steel-studded Michelin tires reportedly performed flawlessly throughout.
The Talbot named 'Overlander' was acquired by the National Motor Museum at Birdwood, South Australia in 1977 and remains operational. In 2008, it undertook a commemorative 51-day tour retracing Harry and Murray’s original route, visiting twenty-three venues and twenty-one schools along the way.
Family
On 29 November 1905, Henry Hampden Dutton wed Emily Martin, who was the niece of the politician James Martin. Their offspring were as follows:
- John Hansborough Dutton (born 23 August 1906)
- Richard Hampden Dutton (6 August 1909 – 13 December 1940), who entered into marriage with Margaret Elizabeth Newland on 25 February 1933
- Bryony Helen Carola Dutton (22 October 1918 – 2005), initially engaged to William Weatherly in 1940, later married American serviceman William Robert Curkeet in 1942, returned to South Australia by 1945, subsequently divorced and remarried to distinguished lawyer Professor Sir Richard Arthur "Dick" Blackburn OBE in 1951. Together they had two children:
- Charlotte Blackburn (later Calder)
- Tom Blackburn SC
- Geoffrey Piers Henry Dutton (2 August 1922 – 17 September 1998), recognized as a prominent author