Son of Frederick John Gordon Hay and Catherine, nee Metherell; ed. Christian Brothers' College, Pretoria. (Member of Boys Naval Brigade); General Botha Cadet Draft 1937-8. After leaving General Botha, Alistair James Hay joined the Union-Castle Company, in which he remained until 1940, when he enlisted with the RAF and in 1942 became Pilot Officer and subsequently Flight-Lieutenant. He was awarded the DFC for distinguished service in Russian Convoys. Of South Africa. Born Johannesburg.
LG Sup 23 June 1942 pg. 2756 - "Pilot Officer Hay was pilot of the Hurricane on board a ship fitted with a catapult. On the approach of enemy aircraft he was catapulted off and immediately proceeded to attack and drive off a formation of six Heinkel 111's and 115's which were preparing to deliver a torpedo attack on the port bow of the convoy; not only did this prevent synchronisation with an attack which developed from the starboard bow, but he destroyed one Heinkel 111 and slightly damaged another. Pilot Officer Hay was himself wounded and he then baled out and was picked up by one of His Majesty's ships of the convoy escort. He showed great gallantry and his spirited attack was a great encouragement to all the convoy and escorts, and cannot but have been a great discomfort and surprise to the enemy."