General News
14 February, 2026
Veterans' Voices: Lindsay William Robert Kimberley
Lindsay William Robert Kimberley was born on 31 March 1926, in Horsham, Victoria, Australia, his father, William Edward Kimberley, and his mother, Maria Wilson.
Lindsay William Robert Kimberley was born on 31 March 1926, in Horsham, Victoria, Australia, his father, William Edward Kimberley, and his mother, Maria Wilson.
He was 20 years of age. Lindsay had two sisters Phyllis and Lorna and two brothers Roy and Gordon.
He enlisted in RAAF and 6th June 1944 in Melbourne and allocated the service Number 149616.
His locality on enlistment was Horsham Victoria.
Lindsay had to be given permission to join the Airforce.
Lindsay was a labourer before enlisting.
Lindsay was given a very good reference when joining the RAAF by his employer Ashwin.
He had worked with him for 15 months 41-42.
He was considered willing, obedient, and trustworthy when he left to join the RAAF.
On enlistment
Lindsay enlisted at No1 Recruitment Centre(1RC) Melbourne on 6 June 1944.
He was at area of operation (AO) at the No 5 Recruitment Depot (5RD) on the 7 June 1944 before he was posted to No 11 Elementary Flying Training School on 7 June 1944.
His service details from 6 August to 27 May 1946 CAE training services equipped him with skills to be able carry out tasks he was required to do in his position.
Lindsay was awarded ASM Australia Service Medal 1939-1945 on 5 July 1944. His service group was 209 RAAF Darwin Northern Territory.
Lindsay completed a recruit drill course and passed on 6 September 1944.
As an Aircraftsman (AC1) and Leading Aircraftsman (LAC). He was of very good character.
His rank was a Cook’s assistant.
He was promoted to LAC on 1 January 1945. Lindsay serving with No 2 Reserve Personnel Pool (2RPP) on 22 August 1945.
Lindsay was posted to Personal Depot before being sent to No 4 Personnel Depot (4 PD) on 3 September 1945. From 2 RPP Lindsay was posted to Headquarters NWA on 10 September 1945. Until posted to RAAF Station Darwin on 21 March 1945.
Lindsay was discharged on 27 May 1946. His rank was Leading Aircraftsman.
His last posting was at RAAF Station Darwin. Lindsay was sent to 1 PD for discharge on 20 May 1946.
Linsay had applied for re-enlistment in the RAAF (interim force), and his offer of service had been accepted by the Air Board on 22 July 1946. He was awaiting call up when he died in an accident.
He died on 13 July 1947, in his hometown, at the age of 21.
From the Horsham Times, Tuesday 16 July 1946, page 2
RETURNED AIRMAN KILLED ON DOOEN ROAD HEAD-ON COLLISION OF CAR AND MOTORCYCLE RIDER ALSO IN SERIOUS CONDITION
When he was thrown from the pillion seat of motorcycle after a head-on collision with motor car, Lindsay William Kimberley, a 20-years-old Horsham returned airman was killed on Saturday night.
His companion, Reuben John Burke, 29 years, was severely injured and is an inmate of the Horsham Base Hospital in a dangerous condition.
The fatality occurred shortly after 8 o'clock on Saturday night on the Dooen Road, three miles from Horsham, near Kemp's property.
A sedan car driven by Squadron-Leader Sydney Bishop, (R.A.A.F) of Melbourne, was travelling north towards Dooen when the motorcycle coming in the opposite direction hit the car head on.
The impact being on the righthand headlight of the car.
The vehicle was able to pull up about 30 feet from the point of impact, but the motorcycle was smashed and both men were thrown heavily to the roadside.
They were conveyed to the Horsham Hospital by ambulance, but Kimberley died shortly after midnight, apparently as the result of his head injuries.
Burke was shockingly injured, having both thighs broken, fractured knee, broken ankle, concussion and many lacerations and abrasions.
Last night his condition was reported to be very serious.
Car Was Borrowed
The driver of the car, who was ac-companied by a friend. Flight-Lieutenant J. Mountain, and four companions, was in Horsham on a weekend visit and had borrowed the car from another friend.
It was owned by Messrs. J. Fiedler & Sons, of Echuca. Damage to the car was extensive, with the front portion being greatly damaged, while the motorcycle hardly had two sections hanging together.
Awaiting Call Up
Deceased, who was only 20 years of age, lived at Millar Street and had only recently been discharged from the R.A.A.F., in which he saw active service in the islands.
He had just re-enlisted in the R.A.A.F. and was awaiting a call for occupational duty.
He was the second son of Mr and Mrs. W. Kimberley, of Horsham and, born in the town, had spent his life here, being educated at Horsham schools.
To mourn his tragic passing he leaves his parents, a sister (Mrs. S. G. Lane of Wonwondah), and brothers Roy and Gordon.
The funeral will leave the Presbyterian Church to-day after a service commencing at 2.30pm. Inquest Adjourned
The Coroner, Mr. P. Biggin, yesterday viewed the body and the inquest was adjourned to a date to be fixed.
RAAF Station Darwin during WWII:
RAAF Station Darwin was a significant base for the RAAF during World War II, particularly after the bombing of Darwin in 1942.
The base was crucial for operations in the Pacific theatre, and RAAF personnel stationed there played a vital role in defending Australia. No. 13 Squadron RAAF, a unit based in Darwin, saw combat as a bomber and maritime patrol squadron during the war.
By mid-1945, the RAAF's main operational formation in the Pacific, the First Tactical Air Force, included over 21,000 personnel.
Cook's Assistant Role:
As a Cook's Assistant, the individual would have been responsible for tasks such as preparing ingredients, washing dishes, and maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen.
The position would have been essential in providing meals for the large number of RAAF personnel stationed at Darwin.
The work would have been demanding, especially given the challenging conditions of the war and the remote location of the base.
With thanks: Sally Bertram, RSL Military History Library.
Contact Sally at sj.bertram@hotmail.com or call 0409 351 940.