AIR-COMMODORE KAY ONE OF N.Z.’S BESTKNOWN AVIATORS

Wanganui Chronicle, 1 November 1950, Page 5

AIR-COMMODORE KAY ONE OF N.Z.’S BESTKNOWN AVIATORS

WELLINGTON, Oct. 30, (Special). —Air Commodore C. E. Kay, C.8.E., D.F.C., who has been appointed Air Officer Commanding R.N.Z.A.F. Headquarters in London, is one of New Zealand’s best known aviators and Is perhaps best remembered for his England—Australia flight with Flying Officer 11. L. Piper in 1930 and for his participation in the Melbourne centenary air race in 1934 with Squadron Leader J. D. Hewett. His EnglandAustralia flight was an attempt on the record, which failed, and the following year he visited Germany to study at the gliding school at Wasserkupp where he graduated with honours. Air , Commodore Kay and Squadron Leader Hewett, after finishing in the Meli bourne Race, flew to New Zealand ' and were the first New Zealand crew to cross the Tasman.

In 1935 he joined the R.N.Z.A.F. and has been closely associated with its development from infancy to the present “jet age" in aviation. He recently handled, as Air Member for Supply, the ordering of the R.N.Z.A.F.’s first jet fighter planes which are expected to arrive here next year. Just before World War II broke out Squadron Leader Kay, who was then in England, was briefed to bring the first flight of Wellington bombers to New Zealand as second in command, but when the ferry operation did not eventuate he was detained in England and was quickly on operations with the New Zealand squadron. He was one of some of the earliest to obtain the D.F.C.—in 1940. Under extremely difficult conditions he successfully bombed important targets in German forests at night.

He was promoted to wing commander in November, 1940, and became second commanding officer of No. 75 (New Zealand) Squadron, the spectacular deeds of which are synomous with the history of New Zealand bomber pilots over Europe during the war. He commanded 75 Squadron throughout the important year of 1941 and after a staff course in the following year he returned to New Zealand, becoming commanding officer of air stations at New Plymouth, Ohakea and Wigram.

He was promoted to group captain in 1943 and three years later returned to England to attend a course at the Imperial Defence College. He returned in 1947 and was acting Chief of the Air Staff for a short period and was promoted to the rank of air commodore in the same year. Further recognition of his service came in 1948 when he was awarded the C.B.E.