on 15 august 1940 no. 605 intercepted a german raid against tyneside mounted by he 111s based in norway with "luftflotte 5" (air fleet 5). mckellar was credited with three he 111s destroyed during the encounter. for this action he was awarded the distinguished flying cross (dfc) and was gazetted on 13 september 1940 and made reference to the "outstanding leadership and courage" displayed by mckellar.