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 |
Biography contributed by David Barlow
Son of Cyril Francis and Doris Myra Harding, of Aberdeen.
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
During the "Lest We Forget" session at Friday evening's meeting of the Muswellbrook sub-branch of the Returned Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen 's Imperial League and Ladies' Auxiliary, members were asked to remember the name of Leading Aircraftman Cyril Ernest Harding, a local boy who recently met his death in a plane crash at Cootamundra. Reference was made to the popularity of the young airman and one of Australia's finest young men who had paid the supreme sacrifice in the cause of liberty.
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