Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Parents: - John Joseph Batty and Lillian Ada Harden married 1923 in Victoria, of Dandenong.

Leading Aircraftman Kenneth Batty is commemorated on the Roll of Honour in his home town of Dandenong Victoria, and is located on Panel 114 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial.

Extract from Trove: - The Dandenong Journal Wednesday 17th October 1945 – Page 1.

Young Airman’s Tragic Death In Shooting Mishap

APPARENTLY knocking the loaded gun on the door and accidentally discharging it as he was on his way outside to shoot crows which were attacking his mother’s chickens,

L.A.C. Kenneth James Batty (R.A.A.F.), elder son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Batty, of Sunnyside Av Dandenong, received the full charge in the chest and was killed instantly at 6 a.m. on Monday morning. Ken, who was a popular lad, had risen early, as he was due to report back to camp that morning after several weeks ‘leave. He had all his clothes and kit set out on his bed ready to pack when the tragedy occurred. Only 20, L.A.C. Batty enlisted in the R.A.A.F. as soon as he turned 18 and was for a time attached to a Flying-boat Squadron at Port Moresby. When he obtained leave, he came home and helped his father, this work bringing, him in contact with many of his friends again. To them, and to his parents, his passing in such sudden and tragic circumstances was a terrible shock, and Mr. and Mrs.' Batty and Alwyn have the sympathy of all in the loss of a fine lad. The cartridge in the gun 'was the only one in the house, and' it was only bad luck that the gun had not been loaned to a friend who sought borrow it a few days before. The funeral took place this afternoon, the cortege leaving Matthew’s Parlors, South Yarra, for the Springvale Cemetery. Ken was buried with military honours.