THRILLING EPISODE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11252, 3 July 1922, Page 7

THRILLING EPISODE.

Later he went to France, where ho won the distinguished Flying Cross. A thrilling episode in Captain Keat’s services in France occurred when flying at 10,000 feet over the British lines. The machine oaught fire, and the only hope lay in a hazardous climb out on a wing with the extinguisher provided on the ’plane. This Captain Keat accomplished, being severely burnt in the process. After getting the fixe out he flew the machine 34 miles to the home aerodrome with its wings and fuselage badly scorched. He possesses a fine service revolver presented by his bro-ther-offioera, engraved in memory of the exploit. UNIQUE DISTINCTION. ■ Another unique distinction conferred on him recently was the Hon. H. F. Wigram’s “plane” which was awarded to the New Zealand soldier whose gallant conduct was responsible for saving most lives during the war. Captain Keat held up oue soldier from, drowning. for 8J hours after the Marquette disaster in the Mediterranean. He was also concerned in saving life from drowning in France and Egypt, and is officially credited with the saving of eeven lives. Captain Keat has been resident in Ashburton since, and Was a manager of the Now Zealand Farmers' Co-op. Association’s garage.