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Pilot’s Badge – Canterbury (NZ) Aviation Company Ltd

Pilot’s Badge – Canterbury (NZ) Aviation Company Ltd

Metal Canterbury (NZ) Aviation Company Ltd pilot's badge, as awarded to graduates upon successful completion of their pilot training.  White "NZ" against blue enamelled background, surrounded by "CANTERBURY FLYING SCHOOL", with a red King's crown at top and provision for split pin on reverse. 

This badge belonged to William (Bill) Henry Blythe Buckhurst, the 56th student pilot to graduate from the Canterbury (NZ) Aviation Company’s flying school at Sockburn, Christchurch, on 9 April 1918. After graduating, Buckhurst embarked for England.  He arrived too late to see operational service in the First World War, but still went on to join the Royal Air Force, receiving his officer’s commission in February 1919.

Date on item: 
1918