LEST WE FORGET
Leading Aircraftman Peter Denis KIERSE
Service No: 417643
Born: Richmond VIC, 3 June 1923
Enlisted in the RAAF: 20 June 1942 (at Adelaide SA)
Unit: No. 6 Service Flying Training School, Mallala SA
Died: Ground Accident, Mallala, 2 March 1943, Aged 19 Years
Buried: Mallala War Cemetery, SA
CWGC Additional Information: Son of Michael Joseph and Edith Sophia Victoria Kierse, of Prospect
Roll of Honour: Unknown
Remembered: Panel 116, Commemorative Area, Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT
Remembered: World War II Honour Roll, National War Memorial of SA, North Terrace, Adelaide
On 2 March 1943, Leading Aircraftman Kierse, a trainee Pilot, was detailed to proceed with other airmen to a sandpit about four miles away, for the purpose of obtaining sand for work being carried out at the unit. They were travelling in the open back of a three ton tender being driven by Aircraftwoman Trott. While travelling along Owen Road, the truck was driven from the left hand side of the road to the centre and passed over a sharp rise, giving a sharp jolt, and causing Leading Aircraftman Kierse to lose balance. He fell from the truck and received injuries from which he died.
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
National Archives of Australia On-Line Record A705, 166/22/34