LEST WE FORGET
Leading Aircraftman William Perryman HARTNELL
Service No: 45752
Born: Perth WA, 9 March 1913
Enlisted in the RAAF: 30 September 1941
Unit: No. 4 Service Flying Training School, Geraldton WA
Died: Injury, Geraldton WA, 7 November 1942, Aged 29 Years
Buried: Karrakatta General Cemetery WA
CWGC Additional Information: Son of William Wilson Hartnell and Florence Beatrice Hartnell, of Wembley.
Roll of Honour: Subiaco WA
Remembered: Panel 116, Commemorative Area, Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT
Remembered: Cenotaph Undercroft, State War Memorial, Kings Park WA
5/11/42 THURSDAY No. 45752 LAC. Hartnell, W.P., found in his bed at 0230 with .22 bullet through the forehead. Taken to Station Sick Quarters and name placed on danger list. Air Board and next of kin notified. Wound thought to be self-inflicted.
6/11/42 FRIDAY: Undated suicide note left by LAC. Hartnell discovered in locker. Court of Inquiry convened.
7/11/42 SATURDAY: Mrs. Coughlan, sister of LAC Hartnell, arrived at this Unit to visit LAC. Hartnell. No. 45752, LAC. Hartnell, W.P. died from injuries at 1325 hours. Arrangements completed to have remains sent to Perth, at request of mother. Service funeral to be conducted. Court of Inquiry convened.
No. 4 Service Flying Training School Operations Record Book A50 Entries
References:
Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour On-Line Records
Commonwealth War Graves Commission On-Line Records
Department of Veteran’s Affairs On-Line WWII Nominal Roll
Metropolitan Cemeteries Board (Perth) On-Line Records
National Archives of Australia On-line Record 163/120/665
Bibliography:
Brenkley, D. J. (Doug J.) RAAF Historical Record of No. 4 Service Flying Training School Geraldton WA, D.J. Brenkley, 2007 – p203, 206