Keith Henry KEARNEY

KEARNEY, Keith Henry

Service Numbers: NX144958, 439836
Enlisted: 5 January 1943
Last Rank: Flying Officer
Last Unit: No. 84 Squadron (RAAF)
Born: Bogan Gate, New South Wales, Australia, 12 February 1921
Home Town: Bogan Gate, Parkes, New South Wales
Schooling: Not yet discovered
Occupation: Shearing Contractor/Commissioned Officer (AIF)
Died: Flying Accident, Townsville, Queensland, Ross River, Queensland, Australia, 6 April 1945, aged 24 years
Cemetery: Townsville War Cemetery, Queensland, Australia
C.D.13.
Memorials: Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Parkes & District Cenotaph
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World War 2 Service

5 Jan 1943: Enlisted Australian Military Forces (Army WW2), Lieutenant, NX144958
9 Aug 1943: Involvement Royal Australian Air Force, Flying Officer, 439836, No. 84 Squadron (RAAF)
9 Aug 1943: Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Sydney, New South Wales
9 Aug 1943: Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Flying Officer, 439836

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Biography contributed by David Barlow

Son of John Thomas Agustus and Eileen Mary Kearney of Bogan Gate, NSW

Flight Lieutenant James Alexander See 412195 in Kittyhawk A29-1220 and Flight Lieutenant Keith Henry Kearney 439836 in Kittyhawk A29-1185 were killed when their aircraft collided at East Ross River Strip, Townsville

Biography

"439836 Flying Officer Keith Henry Kearney, RAAF. As a 16 year old, Keith Kearney joined the 6th Light Horse, and two years later at the outbreak of the Second World War, he tried to enlist in the RAAF, but was rejected for medical reasons. When the 6th Light Horse was converted to the 6th Motor Regiment, he did not qualify for overseas duty due to being medically unfit, however, he underwent surgery and was granted six months of leave to recuperate. Following this, he reapplied for the RAAF and was finally accepted after an intensive training course and interviews, entering as a leading aircraftman. After training as a pilot at Uranquinty, NSW, he was commissioned and was posted to 84 Squadron based in Townsville, Qld where he was involved in operational sorties to New Guinea. He died in an accident when two aircraft collided at Ross River, Qld, on 6 April 1945, aged 24." - SOURCE (www.awm.gov.au)

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