Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Alfred Bernard and Ruby McKay; husband of Mary Hercliffe McKay, of St. Kilda, Victoria.

Bernard Linton McKay, whose death onactive service in New Guinea has been reported, was awarded the Military Medal for bravery at Tobruk in 1941. The only son of Mr. and Mrs. A. B. McKay, Park-street, Launceston, Sergt. McKay belonged to a military family on his mother's side. His great-grandfather and his uncle were commissioned officers in the regular army in England, and his  grandfather was for many years an officer of the Royal Navy. Sergt. McKay was educated at the Devonport High School. He later joined the staff of the Rapson Tyre Company, where he was a clerk in the works office until the company closed down. He then joined the Railway Department, and was employed there at the time of his enlistment.

He married Miss Mollie Rawson, of Launceston. Sgt McKay was awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous bravery at Tobruk. For some years he was a member of the Second Launceston Football Club.

At Tobruk it was stated that he worked untiringly and with complete disregard forJpersonal danger, and that his example and devotion to duty were an inspiration to all ranks.

"In the early hourse of 16th May 1941 the position occupied by 2/12th Bn. on the perimeter of TOBRUK defences was attacked by tanks and infantry under cover of heavy artilery and mortr fire.  Line communitcation with the various posts was disrupted and this non-commissioned officer worked untiringly and with complete disregard for personal danger on the task of restroing the lines.  He abely directed the work of the Signal Platoon in the absence of the Signal Officer, who was a casualty, and throughout the daylight hours of the 16th worked under heavy machine gun and shell fire in area under complete observation by the enemy.  His personal example and devotion to duty was an inspiration to all ranks."