THREE N.Z. AIRMEN DECORATED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 32, 7 February 1941, Page 5

THREE N.Z. AIRMEN DECORATED

PRAISE BY THE BRITISH ONE HAS BAG OF SIX PLANES [ British Official Wireless. ] RUGBY, Feb. 5. Praise for three New Zealand airmen. Acting Flight-Lieutenant J. J. McKay, Nelson, Flying-Officer G. K. Larney. Hamilton, and Flying-Officer K. W. Tait is given in the citations of the awards to them of the Distinguished Flying Cross. The citation to Acting Flight-Lieut-enant McKay's award says he has carried out 37 operational missions since the outbreak of war. These include operations over Germany, Italy, France. Norway, and the Low Countries. He is exceptionally keen and his work as a heavy bomber pilot is in the highest category. His courage and determination in pressing home attacks, regardless of opposition, are outstanding. Flying-Officer Larney has been continually on active operations, al first as a pilot and later as a captain of a plane since the beginning of 1940. He has participated in 30 major bombings over enemy and enemy-occupied territory, in addition to several other operational missions. He has always shown the greatest determination in finding targets and pressing home attacks. He gained the complete confidence of his crew by his efficiency and devotion to duty. Flying-Officer Tait last August led his section in an attack against a large formation of enemy fighters. He succeeded in destroying two. He has displayed exceptional courage and devotion to duty over a long period in operations both in France and England. He has destroyed at least six enemy planes.