NEW ZEALAND AIRMEN DECORATED

Southland Times, Issue 24353, 6 February 1941, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND AIRMEN DECORATED

THREE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSSES (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, February 6. According to advice received by Air Headquarters this afternoon, three more New Zealanders serving with the Royal Air Force have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. They are acting Flight-Lieutenant John James McKay. of Nelson, Flying Officer Geordie Keith Larney, of Hamilton, and Flying Officer Kenneth William Tait, of Wellington. These bring the total of Distinguished Flying Crosses awarded to New Zealanders to 55, including two with bar, and the total of all awards to 71 since the outbreak of war. Acting Flight-Lieutenant McKay was born in Nelson and is 24 years old. He was educated at Nelson College and was prominent in many branches of sport, particularly football and cricket. He was selected for a short service commission in the Royal Air Force in 1937 and left in the latter half of that year. Flying Officer Larney was born in Wellington and is 28. He was educated at the Hamilton Technical High School. He was a flying member of the Wellington Aero Club. He was trained by ihe’Royal New Zealand Air Force and in the middle of 1939 was selected for a short service commission in me Royal Air Force. Flying Officer Tait was b rn in Wellington and is 22. He wa* educated at Wellington College. He was a member of the college first XV. He was selected for a short service commission in the Royal Air Force in 1937 and left New Zealand late that year.