"COBBER" KAIN'S DEATH

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 117, 16 June 1941, Page 5

"COBBER" KAIN'S DEATH

FIRST ANNIVERSARY — Y*' Last Monday was the first anniversary of the death of "Cobber Kain, the acei New Zealand pilot who, during his nine months continuous patrol, brought down more than 40 German aeroplanes. He was killed instantly when a wing-tip of his Hurricane fighter touched the -ground while he was flying over an aerodrome. Acting Squadron Leader Eidgar 'Kain, who at the time of his death was 21 years of age, was educated at Christ's Collegs, Christchurch. He began his air training at Kongotai Aerodrome, Wellington, and wen; later to Wigram Aerodrome, Christchurch, where he completed his -course when he obtained his A license towards the end of 193 G. Leaving for England shortly afterwards, "Cobber" Kain qualified, for the Royal Air Force on arrival and went into a training camp at Black'burn. After three months there he was posted to Uxbridgc, where he qualified as a pilot-officer. He was given his choice of squadrons and chose fighters. He rose rapidly and was promoted or shortly after the outbreak of war. Known in his squadron as "Cobber," he was one of the youngest men in the Royal Air Force holding the rank of acting-squadron-leader. At the time of his death the English newspapers all paid tribute to "Cobber" Kain. Typical comment was that of the London Star, which stated: "His end puts the seal to the war services of Britain's first air nee. He belongs to a new race oi young men who think and act at speeds hitherto inconceivable, but who possesses the old virtues of plu-ck, nerve and humanity. He has gone. to his end after a short period in which he brought glory to his own Dominion and nobly and cheerfully served the cause of the Allies."