KIRKMAN, Eric John
| Service Number: | 130275 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 22 January 1943, Sydney, NSW |
| Last Rank: | Leading Aircraftman |
| Last Unit: | Operational Base Units (RAAF) |
| Born: | Cowra, NSW, 9 May 1924 |
| Home Town: | West Wyalong, Bland, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | West Wyalong Intermediate High School |
| Occupation: | Machinist |
| Died: | Acute Mania and Malaria, Brisbane General Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, 9 March 1944, aged 19 years |
| Cemetery: |
Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane, Qld ANZ 7 76 34 |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour |
World War 2 Service
| 3 Sep 1939: | Involvement 130275 | |
|---|---|---|
| 22 Jan 1943: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Leading Aircraftman, 130275, Operational Base Units (RAAF), Sydney, NSW |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Faithe Jones
Son of Arthur Benjamin and Kathleen Margaret KIRKHAM, Grenfell Street, West Wyalong, NSW
Burial officated by Chaplain Reverand Father P.J. Flanagan. Burial conducted by Messrs. Cannon & Cripps Ltd. 45 Adelaide Street, Bribane, Qld.
Death From Illness
Leading Aircraftman Eric John Kirkman, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. A Kirkman of Grenfell Street, West Wyalong died of illness in Brisbane on Thursday last. The sad news was conveyed to Mr. and Mrs. Kirkman by telegram from R.A.A.F. Headquarters in Melbourne, in which it is was stated that LAC Kirkman's death had taken place in the Brisbane General Hospital, as a result of illness while in transit from a forward area to an R.A.A.F. Hospital in Sydney.
The cause of death it was stated, is believed to be malaria, but an autopsy was necessary. The Minister for Air and members of the Air Board extended their deepest sympathy to Mr. and Mrs. Kirkman.
A further telegram stared that the funeral had been arranged for 11.30 am oil Saturday, at the Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane.
The blow was most severe for Mr. and Mrs. Kirham, as they had not been advised that their son was ill.
A few days prior to his death they had received a letter from him, and he was apparently well.
Deceased, who was 19 years of age was born at Cowra. A few years later Mr. and Mis Kirliinan and their two sons Eric and Allan, came to West Wyalong, where Eric was educated at the West Wyalong Intermediate High School. After leaving School be was employed by Mr. Walter Kendall, blacksmith. Three years ago be left here and joined Hughes' machinery firm staff in Sydney, where he was employed until joining the Air Force about 12 months ago as a member of the ground staff.
After being stationed on the South Coast, he left for New Guinea at the end of December last, and was being transferred front there when his death, took place.
The deepest sympathy will be felt for deceased's parents and brother in the sad loss they have sustained by his death while on active service for his country.
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