Pauline Burns Sims (nee Cuming) 1918-1966

Pauline was born in 1918 in Adelaide, the daughter of Robert Burns (s/o Robert Burns, s/o James Snr) and Doris Cuming. Unfortunately she suffered from polio which haunted her most of her life. She had the use of calipers and suffered from post polio syndrome in her hands.

Despite this setback Pauline was a very lively young girl, a lot of fun to be with, and as a girlfriend of hers claimed “a little wicked”.   

What set her apart however, was her sense of adventure!  She loved fast cars, and was one of the only woman hill climbers at the Collingrove Hill Climb in her Austin in South Australia’s Barossa Valley.  But what she became famous for was flying!  She took it up because she couldn’t dance as a consequence of polio, and was introduced to the sport by her great friend Elizabeth Bronner. 

“Addition to List Of Our Girl Fliers

"Many young Adelaide girls have taken up flying as an exciting and most interesting hobby. One who has recently begun to take lessons is Miss Pauline Burns Cuming, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R Burns Cuming of Torrensville.

"One of her great friends, Miss Elizabeth Bonner, is a pilot, and Miss Cuming has always been keen on flying. But it was not until she had been for a flight in the new Guinea Airways Lockheed that she became really serious a bout it, and decided to learn to fly.

"She lost no time about it, and since making her decision has paid visits to Parafield every day (except Wednesday, which is the instructor’s day off) for lessons.  She now has about two and a half flying hours to her credit, her lessons lasting on an average for about 20 minutes. She is looking forward to the time when she will have one five hours “drill”, as she calls it, with an instructor in charge.

"Then she will be able to take control of the plane, with an instructor at hand to watch her progress. After a few hours she will be able to fly solo, and eventually qualify for the A class certificate.

"Miss Cuming does not intend to make anything but a hobby of her flying and she expects it will bring her a great deal of pleasure.

"When in the air Miss Cuming wears a warm skirt, and leather jacket.”  - The News, Adelaide, 2nd June 1938

Pauline married Eric B Sims on 16th March 1942.  Their marriage was happy at the beginning.  Eric was an avid reader and a naturalist.  They were great followers of the Arts and had many friends in those circles including Ivor Hele, famous for his portraiture and his painting of the Opening of Parliament, and Louis McCubbin (Son of Fred).

Pauline and Eric had two children, Jennifer and Jonothan.  Unfortunately she had troubled pregnancies and lost three children, a girl prior to Jennifer’s birth (Jennifer was considered a “miracle child”) and two sons later.  As a consequence she was physically unwell and suffered from post natal depression.  She never got over the loss of her children and her beloved brothers, Jack and Rob, who died in the war.  Her behaviour became very erratic, neglectful, and the relationship with Eric faltered, ending in divorce.  The Court awarded Eric the care of their two pre-teen children (which was quite unusual for those days).  During these troubled times they were primarily cared for by their Grandmother, Doris Cuming, who they were very fond of.  Eric then married their relieving housekeeper who became their stepmother and carer.

Although her ending is a little sad, Pauline was a remarkable woman – ahead of her time!  She defied the odds and her disabilities and conquered the skies and the roads in a male dominated world.  She was a bright spark, amusing, fun to be with and – a little wicked!  Most importantly a fearless, adventurous soul.