'For consistent good work in the field in 1916, 1917, and 1918. As a junior NCO McKay was in charge of Battalion Lewis guns for 12 months and kept his Gunners at a high state of efficiency. In May 1918 McKay was promoted C.S.M. and quickly showed that he was a good disciplinarian as well as a cool and steady leader under fire. McKay served in all operations the Brigade has taken part in, Somme 1916/1918, Messines, Passchendaele, and has risen from Rifleman to R.S.M.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 29 January 1919

Regimental number	24/535
Address	Balclutha
Marital status	Single
Next of kin	Sister, Mrs Jean Henderson, Clyde Otago
Rank on embarkation	Rifleman
Enlistment status	Volunteer
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, 2nd Battalion, B Company
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on board Tahiti on 10 October 1915
Final rank	Regimental Sergeant Major
Final unit	2nd Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade
Medals	Medaille d?Honneur avec glaives en vermeil 'For consistent good work in the field in 1916, 1917, and 1918. As a junior NCO McKay was in charge of Battalion Lewis guns for 12 months and kept his Gunners at a high state of efficiency. In May 1918 McKay was promoted C.S.M. and quickly showed that he was a good disciplinarian as well as a cool and steady leader under fire. McKay served in all operations the Brigade has taken part in, Somme 1916/1918, Messines, Passchendaele, and has risen from Rifleman to R.S.M.' Source: London Gazette Date: 29 January 1919
Miscellaneous details	Nominal Roll Vol. 1: B Company/2nd NZRB