HARDING, Cyril Ernest
| Service Number: | 64059 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 20 April 1942 |
| Last Rank: | Leading Aircraftman |
| Last Unit: | 2 Training Group |
| Born: | Scone, New South Wales, Australia, 26 January 1924 |
| Home Town: | Muswellbrook, Muswellbrook, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Muswellbrook Central School, New South Wales, Australia |
| Occupation: | Hardware Department Shop Assistant |
| Died: | Aircraft Accident, Cootamundra, New South Wales, Australia , 16 March 1944, aged 20 years |
| Cemetery: |
Cootamundra War Cemetery Plot B Row D Grave 2 |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour |
World War 2 Service
| 3 Sep 1939: | Involvement 64059 | |
|---|---|---|
| 20 Apr 1942: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Aircraftman, 64059, Recruit Reception Depot | |
| 20 Apr 1942: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Leading Aircraftman, 64059 | |
| 16 Mar 1944: | Discharged Royal Australian Air Force, Leading Aircraftman, 64059, 2 Training Group, Killed in accident |
Help us honour Cyril Ernest Harding's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by David Barlow
Leading Aircraftman Harding 64059 (Rigger - Ground Crew from Number 5 Operational Training Unit) was trapped in the burning aircraft following the belly-landing of Beaufort A9-450 due to engine failure on take-off. The aircraft was loaded with extra ground crew and was returning to base at Tocumwal following a day of approach training at Cootamundra.
The pilot, FLTLT McDonald DFM 400207, received a commendation for his efforts in trying to save the young airman. Information provided by the book “Coomalie Charlie’s Commandos - 31 Squadron RAAF Beaufighters at Darwin 1942-43” written by FLTLT McDonald
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