The Memorial Cross issued in commemoration of George Booth, an RNZAF Wireless/Air Gunner who part of a 148 Squadron Wellington crew who were shot down by flak during a raid on Benghazi, North Africa in June 1942.

George Booth was born 30th November 1911 at Auckland. Son of George and May Booth (née Smith). He was educated at Seddon Memprial Technical College before taking up employment as a cutter at Nu-Venus Foundations Ltd in Auckland. He married Myra Phillips in 1940 before enlisting in the Royal New Zealand Air Force in October 1940. Embarking for Canada in December 1940, Booth gained his brevet in June 1941. He transferred to the UK in July 1941, and converted to the Wellington bomber. He was part of a crew that went out to Egypt via Gibraltar in March 1942 and was posted to 148 Squadron. He had completed 11 operational sorties when he and his crew were hit by flak on a raid over Benghazi on 22nd June 1942. The aircraft was brought down, with all but one member being killed (the survivor being taken prisoner). Commemorated on the El Alamein Memorial.

The Memorial Cross is correctly impressed NZ404052 F/SGT. GEO. BOOTH.