Jesse Pearse
Born 22 Apr 1919 - Died 25 Oct 1942
- Service number
- NZ40427 AWMM
- WWII 40427 AWMM
- Also known as
- Shorty AWMM
- Armed force / branch
- Air Force AWMM
- Last rank
- Pilot Officer AWMM Royal Air Force, No. 486 (NZ) Squadron AWMM
- War
- World War II, 1939-1945 AWMM
About
- Title
- —
- Forenames
- Jesse AWMM
- Surname
- Pearse AWMM
- Ingoa
- —
- Also known as
- Shorty AWMM
- Service number
- NZ40427 AWMM
- WWII 40427 AWMM
- Gender
- Male AWMM
- Iwi / Hapū / Waka / Rohe
- —
- Religion
- —
Images
Documents
About birth
- Birth
- 22 Apr 1919 AWMM
- Date of birth
- —
- Place of birth
- Birkenhead, AucklandPublic - Lorraine Mona - Researcher - 24 September 2026 - https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25026011/jesse-pearse
- Birth notes
- Son of George Valentine & Isabella Mary PEARSEPublic - Lorraine Mona - Researcher - 24 September 2026 - https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25026011/jesse-pearse
- Address before enlistment
- WhakatanePublic - Lorraine Mona - Researcher - 24 September 2026 - https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25026011/jesse-pearse
- Post war occupation
- —
- Next of kin
- Mrs G. Pearse (mother), RD, Whakatane, New Zealand AWMM
- WW2 Mother: Mrs. I. M. Pearse, Whakatane R. D. , Bay of Plenty AWMM
- WW2 Parents: Mr. & Mrs. G. Pearse of Whakatane AWMM
- Relationship status
- Single/WWII AWMM
Wars and conflicts
- War
- World War II, 1939-1945 AWMM
- Campaign
- —
- Armed force / branch
- Air Force AWMM
- Service number
- NZ40427 AWMM
- WWII 40427 AWMM
- Military service
- Royal New Zealand Air Force attached to Royal Canadian Air Force AWMM
- Royal New Zealand Air Force attached to Royal Air Force AWMM
- British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, No. 10 Service Flying Training School, Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada AWMM
Course 1: Class 31. Graduation Date: 1/09/1941. AWMM
- Promotions/ Postings/ Transfers
Military decorations
- Medals and Awards
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Training and Enlistment
- Military training
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- Branch Trade Proficiency
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- Enlistment
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- Age on enlistment
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- Occupation before enlistment
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Embarkations
- Embarkation details
- WW2 Vessel was Aorangi AWMM Royal New Zealand Air Force AWMM
Prisoner of war
- Capture details
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- Days interned
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- Liberation date
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- POW liberation details
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- Liberation Repatriation
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- POW serial number
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Medical history
- Medical notes
- Killed in Action, Cause of Death AWMM
Killed on air operations when the aircraft engine failed AWMM
Last known rank
- Last rank
- Pilot Officer AWMM
Royal Air Force, No. 486 (NZ) Squadron AWMM - Last rank
- —
Biographical information
- Son of George and Isabella Pearse of Whakatane. Brother of John, Dick and Sam
Attended Hamilton High School 1934 -1935
He had been selected to represent the Squadron as half-back in a rugby match that was scheduled in London, November 1942
He wrote from Scotland, 22 December 1941 "Dear Mum and Dad. I am getting the boys to forward this letter in the event of my becoming deceased owing to enemy action or such circumstances, and sincerely hope you may never open it.
My life has been very short but very sweet, never knowing sickness, poverty or unhappiness and this is entirely up or due to your efforts and cannot possibl[y] write my feelings towards you both. All I say is please do not grieve as life is so short for all of us & sorrow should not enter into it, altho' in many parts of the world, especially now, peoples are suffering from this malady.
You in NZ, are indeed extremely fortunate to have such fine conditions and one does not realize until seeing other parts. I thank you for giving me this knowledge."
My savings I leave in your custody for 'young Johnnie's' education, it is a small amount but will give him 3 years secondary & hence "matric". That is a sound base, even if he prefers the land it is essential that he obtains this standard. I can't stress this too much and only wish he could carry on further for a profession."
His letter continues, writing "While in Canada I met a very nice girl, ..., and unashamedly I can say [I] love her very much. We did not talk of these things as I thought under the conditions of war time it is hardly fair to both parties, especially when one is a Pilot. However it was my intention to bring her home, and [I] hope that someday Pauline will stay with you awhile. The address is 233 Scotia St, Winnipeg, Canada. I am sure she would appreciate an invitation.
Flying has been a wonderful experience & all through it has been one happy holiday so you can be assured I have gone down with a smile.
My religious life has not been a full one but [I] was always aware at all times of distinguishing between right and wrong and that again reflects on your teachings. Yes Dad & Mum, you have done your duty well and [I] only wish I could have had children to love and teach God will forgive and you will find comfort there. It is wonderful to know I have fine brothers in John, Dick & Sam and hope you are always near them.
I have never forgotten our farewell scene, so with so much love I say simply thank you. God bless you. Jesse."
Almost all those attending his funeral were New Zealanders from his own Squadron and a New Zealand flag draped his coffin.
His roomate Frank Murphy (NZ411928) wrote to his family and also sent photographs.
Known to the Squadron as Shorty
Attended Hamilton High School (Source: RNZAF Biographies (R17845614)) AWMM
About death
- Death
- 25 Oct 1942 AWMM
Age 23 AWMM - Date of death
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- Age at death
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- Place of death
- —
- Cause of death
- Killed in Action AWMM
- Death notes
- Pilot Officer Pearse Lost His Life When His Aircraft Crashed Near Ashford, Kent Due to Engine Failure When Returning From A Coastal Patrol, He Baled Out But Was Killed When the Parachute Was SnaggedPublic - Lorraine Mona - Researcher - 24 September 2026 - https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25026011/jesse-pearse
- Cemetery
- Maidstone Cemetery, Kent, England AWMM Plot CC 1. Grave 137 AWMM
- Cemetery name
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- Grave reference
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- Obituary
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- Memorial name
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- Memorial reference
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Memorial
- Memorial name
- St George's Royal Air Force Chapel of Remembrance, Biggin Hill, Bromley, England AWMM
- Auckland War Memorial Museum, World War 2 Hall of Memories AWMM
Related objects
Sources
- External links
- Papers Past. Digital New Zealand Newspapers.
http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast
Sources Used - Night Fighters. Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 119, 22 May 1942, Page 4
http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=EP19420522.2.47&srpos
Further Reference - Air Force Casualties. Evening Post, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 109, 4 November 1942, Page 3
http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=EP19421104.2.17&srpos
Further Reference - St George's Royal Air Force Chapel of Remembrance, Biggin Hill, Main Rd, Westerham, Kent, England
http://www.bbm.org.uk/BHchapel.htm
Further Reference - St George's Royal Air Force Chapel of Remembrance, Biggin Hill, Main Rd, Westerham, Kent, England
http://www.bbm.org.uk/BHchapel.htm
Further Reference - Commonwealth War Graves Commission record
https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2654615
Sources Used - RNZAF [Royal New Zealand Air Force] Biographies of Deceased Personnel 1939 - 1945 (Bound Volumes) - Na - Py. Archives New Zealand (R17845614)
https://collections.archives.govt.nz/web/arena/search/#/entity/aims-archive/R17845614
Sources Used - List of RNZAF [Royal New Zealand Air Force] Personnel - List of Personnel Killed or Missing in Various Theatres, 1940 - 1945. Archives New Zealand (R17845748)
https://collections.archives.govt.nz/web/arena/search/#/entity/aims-archive/R17845748
Sources Used - Aviation Safety Network:
https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/572770Public - Antonio - Researcher - 27 July 2026 - Internet research - Aircrew Remembered:
https://aircrewremembered.com/pearse-jesse.htmlPublic - Antonio - Researcher - 27 July 2026 - Internet research
- Papers Past. Digital New Zealand Newspapers.
- References
- Information kindly provided by family
- Please note that the 11 volumes of the "RNZAF [Royal New Zealand Air Force] Biographies of Deceased Personnel 1939-1945" held at Archives NZ (formerly known as AIR118) should be used in conjunction with Errol Martyn's "For Your Tomorrow". FYT reflects detailed examination of all of the AIR118 bios which contain many inaccuracies and omissions.
- Sortehaug, P. (1998). The wild winds : the history of number 486 RNZAF Fighter Squadron with the RAF5. Dunedin, N.Z.: Author.
- The Evening Post
- Martyn, E. (1998-2008). For Your Tomorrow (Vols. 1-3). Christchurch, N.Z.: Volplane Press.
- Sortehaug, P. (1998). The wild winds : the history of number 486 RNZAF Fighter Squadron with the RAF5. Dunedin, N.Z.: Author.
Sortehaug, P. (1998). p. 40 - This record is a work in progress and was partially compiled from the “Database of New Zealand Airmen who took part in Advanced Air Training in Canada during WW2”. Researched by Ivan and Lorna Lindsey of Tauranga. N.Z. 2003 – 2012. Reproduced with permission.
- RNZAF [Royal New Zealand Air Force] Biographies of Deceased Personnel 1939 - 1945 (Bound Volumes) - Na - Py. Archives New Zealand (R17845614) - Former archives reference: AIR118
- List of RNZAF [Royal New Zealand Air Force] Personnel - List of Personnel Killed or Missing in Various Theatres, 1940 - 1945. [List of Killed - Officers (Canada, Pacific, Europe) - Airmen (Canada, India and Far East)]. Archives New Zealand (R17845748)
- Royal New Zealand Air Force. (1941–1945). Contact: National magazine of the R.N.Z.A.F.; the official organ of the Air Force Association (Inc.). Levin, New Zealand: Royal New Zealand Air Force.
V1,n1,p7 v1,n2np36 v1,n4,p36 - Auckland Museum. Roll of Honour, Auckland Province, 1939 - 1945. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 93/139.
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