DEATH OF "COBBER" KAIN

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23349, 7 June 1941, Page 11

DEATH OF "COBBER" KAIN

♦ FIRST ANNIVERSARY TO-DAY To-day is the first anniversary of the death of “Cobber" Kain, the ace New Zealand pilot who, during his nine months’ continuous patrol, brought down more than 40 German aeroplanes. He was killed instantly when a wingtip of his Hurricane fighter touched the ground while he was flying over, an aerodrome.,/; ■> w. ozi. :• Acting-Squadron Leade* Edgar Kain, who at the time of his death was 21 years of age, was educated at Christ’s Coliege, Christchurch. He began his air training at Rongotai aerodrome, Wellington, and came later to Wigram aerodrome, Christchurch, where he completed his course when he obtained his A licence towards the end of 1936. Leaving for England shortly afterwards, “Cobber” Kain qualified for the Royal Air Force on arrival and went into a training camp at Blackburn. After three months there he was posted to Uxbridge, where he qualified as a pilot officer. He was given his choice of squadrons and chose fighters. He rose rapidly and was promoted actingsquadron leader shortly after the outbreak of war. Known in his squadron as "Cobber," he was one of the youngest men in the Royal Air Force holding the rank of acting-squadron leader. At the time of his death the English newspapers all paid tribute to “Cobber” Kain. Typical comment was that of the London “Star” which stated: “His end puts the seal to the war services of Britain’s first air ace. He belongs to a new race of young men who think and act at speeds hitherto inconceivable, but who possess the old virtues of pluck, nerve, and humanity. He has gone to his end after a short period in which he brought glory to his own Dominion and nobly and cheerfully served the cause of the Allies.”