Subject

St. Michael

Text

n/a

Inscription

[Plaque] George Pollard Kay Flight Commander 46th Squadron RFC Killed in France 29th June 1917 Their name liveth for evermore

Description & History

George Pollard Kay attended Trinity Grammar School, Kew (1906-1912) before attending Geelong Grammar School, where a similar window picturing St. Michael had been installed by his parents in 1919. Stained glass artist William Montgomery designed both windopws and for Holy Trinity he prepared a watercolour and sepia ink sketch on paper, mounted on card, that is now held in the William Montgomery Collection at the State Library of Victoria. There were always small differences between the sketch and the finished window as the design was enlarged to full sized cartoon. In addition to the window, Mr Kay also commissioned a plaque. The Memorial window was unveiled by the Headmaster of Geelong Grammar, the Rev. Dr. FE Brown, on Sunday 26 June, 1921.

George Pollard Kay, known as 'Bob', travelled to England to fulfil his ambition to enlist in the Royal Flying Corps. 46 Squadron, which Bob Kay joined,was formed in April 1916 and moved to France in November of that year under the command of MajorPhilip Babington. A photo taken of the Squadron at Droglandt shows Kay standing tall in the back row, next to another pilot, MacDonald who also lost his life.Kay was killed when after climbing to about 1000 feet, his aeroplane inexplicably 'spun right into the ground', as notedin his commanding officer's report. Flight Commander Kay had been promoted Captain shortly before his death and was considered by Major Babington as 'one of the finest pilots he had ever known, and a magnificent officer'. He was buried at La Gorgue Communal Cemetery, France. His father, Mr. GA Kay of 'd'Estaville', Kew, publishedan account of his life in the Royal Flying Corps asa book, Letters from Bob and arranged for this memorial, and the earlier one at his old school where he had excelled asan outstanding leader,scholar and athlete.

References & Acknowledgements

Church of England Messenger , 13 July 1917, p.368; 8 July 1921, p.334; 22 July 1921, p.348; Geraldine McFarlane, Memories in Glass , 2004, pp.29-30. Edwin Adamson, photograph of watercolour sketch of 'St. Michael'; Montgomery sketch of St. Michael ; Folio 155 and 157 Montgomery ledger; William Montgomery Collection State Library of Victoria.