Private George King who fell in Libya recently was the son of Mrs M. King, of Thornton. Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, 33 years ago, he was educated in that town and came to New Zealand in the year 1929. The family first settled in Putaruru, where they engaged in farming operations. Later George, with his mother decided to come to the Bay of Plenty, and made their home at Thornton. Quiet and unassuming, he won for himself a host of friends who respected his manliness and character. He enlisted for overseas service 18 months ago, and joined the 21st Auckland Battalion, which left with the Fifth Echelon. Private King who was a direct descendant of General Gordon of Khartoum fame  came of a fighting family, and has many relatives in the Gordon Highlanders. His twin brother Jim is also serving with the forces. For some years before enlisting he worked in the Awakeri district, where he also had many friends, by whom he will be sadly missed.

BAY OF PLENTY BEACON, VOLUME 5, ISSUE 7, 23 JANUARY 1942, PAGE 5