LIEUT MONCRIEFF'S "WINGS"

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 80, 15 October 1928, Page 10

LIEUT MONCRIEFF'S "WINGS"

A LINK WITH THE AOTEA ROA The flight of the Southern Cross was', linked by a tangible token with . the venture of the ill-starred Aotea-roa in January of this year, when Lieutenant J. R. Monerieff and Captain George Hood lost their lives in an attempt to conquer the Tasman Sea, for to-day the first pilot's badge that "Seotty'< Monerieff ever wore was carried by, FlightLieutenant C. T. P. Ulm, says . the Christchurch "Star." It is an interesting story of how Flight-Lieutenant Ulm became possessed of the badge. A few days ago, he completed his official examination for a pilot's ticket and when ho was being congratulated on his success, was shown the"wings"by Staff-eSrgeant S..Simpson, of the Wigram Aerodrome staff, to , whom the badge was given by Lieutenant Monerieff when tho sergeant passed his pilot's test, it being Moncricff's first "wings." "Wishing to pay an honour to tho Now Zealand airmen, Flight-Lieutenant Ulm immediately suggested that he take tho badge across the Tasman. with him in plaeo of his own pilot's badge. Ho took the view that as the men had failed, it would be fitting for tho "wings" to be taken over. The badge will be posted back to. Sergeant Simpson. ,