Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Charles Michael "Bill" Kearns was born on 5 September 1912 in the small coastal town of Normanville, South Australia, the son of Michael "Mick" Kearns and Emily Maud Kearns (née Evans). His father, a skilled line inspector with the Postmaster‑General's Department, later moved the family to Port Lincoln, where Charles grew up with a solid grounding in both rural life and practical skills.


From an early age, Charles showed a knack for technical work. By the 1930s, he had built up considerable experience in telecommunications, working as a telephone linesman and operator for the PMG Department and also as a mechanic and linesman for the Railway Signal & Telegraph Service. His work involved maintaining and repairing telephone systems, stringing wires, and keeping communication lines in good order – a skill set that would later prove valuable in military service.

In 1940, with the Second World War underway, Charles set his sights on joining the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). He initially applied for training as an electrician or telephone operator, writing multiple letters to recruiting officers in Adelaide and Melbourne outlining his experience and eagerness to serve. His applications, however, were repeatedly knocked back – at first due to medical standards, and later because of high competition for the limited number of technical positions.

Undeterred, Charles persisted. Finally, in May 1941, his determination paid off. At 28 years of age, he was accepted into the RAAF as a Telephone Operator, enlisting at No. 5 Recruiting Centre in Adelaide on 20 May 1941. He was posted to No. 1 Recruit Depot at Laverton, Victoria, and later trained at No. 7 Service Flying Training School at Deniliquin, New South Wales.

Charles' early trade tests praised his solid practical knowledge and his ability to learn quickly. Examiners described him as neatly dressed, intelligent, and a "keen type" – an airman who could be relied upon to work diligently in his trade.

During the war, Charles served at various RAAF units across Australia and in the Pacific theatre. He was posted to Port Moresby, New Guinea from April 1942 to August 1943, where communications work was vital to air operations in the region. Later postings included Townsville, Port Pirie, and the Northern Territory. In March 1945, he re‑mustered to Driver Motor Transport (D.M.T.), supporting the movement of personnel and equipment in the later stages of the war.

Throughout his service, Charles maintained a record of Very Good character and Satisfactory to Superior trade proficiency. He rose to the rank of Leading Aircraftman and was awarded the 1939–45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939–45, and the Australia Service Medal 1939–45, along with the Returned from Active Service Badge.

After his discharge on 7 February 1946, Charles returned to civilian life in South Australia. He later married Caterina Candida, and together they raised two children, Tony and Jan.

He passed away on 15 June 1988 at Sefton Park, South Australia, aged 75, and was laid to rest in Enfield Memorial Park, Catholic Section, Row AD, Site 58.

From the quiet township of Normanville to the communications hubs of the RAAF in wartime New Guinea, Charles Kearns' story is one of persistence and service – a life marked by the determination to contribute to his country in its time of need.

Biography by Trevor Pyatt - 6/08/2025