Kenneth Tait | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 19 November 1918 Wellington, New Zealand |
| Died | 4 August 1941 (aged 22) |
| Allegiance | New Zealand |
| Service | Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1937–1941 (MIA) |
| Rank | Flight Lieutenant |
| Unit | No. 87 Squadron No. 257 Squadron |
| Battles / wars | |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross Mention in Despatches |
Kenneth William Tait, DFC (19 November 1918 – 4 August 1941) was a New Zealand flying ace of the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War. He is credited with destroying five enemy aircraft, a share in another aircraft destroyed and eight damaged.
Born in Wellington, Tait joined the RAF in 1937. After completing flight training he was posted to No. 87 Squadron. Sent to France shortly after the outbreak of the Second World War, he shot down at least three enemy aircraft once the Germans invaded the Low Countries in May 1940. He destroyed another three enemy aircraft during the Battle of Britain. He was subsequently awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and this was followed by a mention in despatches. After a period of instructing duties, in July 1941 he was posted to No. 257 Squadron and went missing in action the following month.