Sad news for those that knew David Pearce, Flt Lt., RAF

[Guest rocketdriver]

David, one of very few Lancaster pilots to have survived a low level bale out of his burning aircraft, passed away peacefully during the early hours of 23/12/2009. David won his wings having trained at Ponca City, Oklahoma and went on to complete a full tour of duty in two halves, the interruption being due to hospitalisation and recovery from a broken ankle incurred during the low level bale out. After a career as an electrical engineer, David emigrated to Australia 25 years ago and was for some years active in a non flying capacity with the Latrobe Valley flying club, the Air Training Corps at LTV and the RAAF Association. David wrote of his wartime experiences in “Dark Skies and Dead Reckoning” which was self published some years ago. A brave man and a gentleman to the end. A funeral service will be held at the Leongatha Uniting Church on Tuesday 29/12/2009 at 1 pm.