Percival William Keeling

Private

Conflict:

WW2

Additional Information:

Son of William John and Elsie Keeling, of Taradale, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand.

References:

CWGC

WW2 RoH

NZ WAR GRAVES

CONTRIBUTED

Public Contributions:

Percival 'Percy' William Keeling born 4 Oct 1916 Pahiatua, Wairarapa – died 4 Sept 1942 El Alamein, Egypt, (22nd Motor Battalion, NZ Infantry) Parents: William John Keeling 1888, UK - 1960 Napier, ...Elizabeth Ada Russell 1880, NZ - 1930 Napier. Percy's parents farmed, according to Electoral Roll records, from 1911-28 at Mangatainoka, Wairarapa before moving to Napier where Elizabeth died in 1930. His schooling was to 6th Standard, but the first years of employment are unknown but it is believed he worked as a farm labourer in the Eskdale Valley, north of Napier. Percy went to Wairoa in search of work and was employed by Selwyn & Rona Mackay, Awaho Station, Waihua, from about May 1937. His previous farming experience meant that he was immediately given responsibility and became a much appreciated member of the family that included 4 young boisterous sons, and the neighbouring Mackay family farms. Percy continued his Station Hand employment till just prior to entering army camp. Attestation Sheet dated 22 June 1940. Entered camp 3 Oct 1940 Embarked 5th Feb 1941 for Egypt. The Mackay family continued to support Percy overseas with gifts of parcels and money. An example of how he was appreciated by our family is seen in an only preserved letter from him dated 19.1.1942: "Base camp, Egypt: Just a wee note to say I received both the chit and the parcel OK and for which I want to thank you very very much, by jove the singlet is lovely. I haven't seen such good quality since I have been over here. The money you sent took a long time to reach me on account of it being sent to the forward P.O. somewhere in Lybia and it sort of got mixed up on account of some of us coming back before the others. How is good old Awaho getting on. I heard from my sister that you have been having a drought in the Bay so I was wondering if it had affected you up there. I suppose you will be getting ready for dipping once more. Well it is very good to be back in our Base camp once more as one can often get to Cairo for a bit of a break as even when I came down on leave from the Desert it was the first time that I had seen a shop for about 6 months, the nearest thing to a shop was the Y.M.C.A. up there. How are the kiddies getting on and what do you call the baby? Mary wrote and said that you were all thrilled at Grahame when he came home with the book for Best Junior at school. By jove he must be doing fine and what about 'Dar' and Ian - how are they doing? Is Dar still the same hard shot like he used to be? I suppose Mackie will have grown out of the mischievous stage now but dont forget to give them all my love and tell them I hope to be seeing them before long now. Going by the papers over here I see that people in the towns, at any rate are all as busy as one thing digging .... trenches and what not - they seem to be getting all het up over the Japs so Mr Mackay I can see you getting the old .......... shovel out and .... ........ (rest of sentence missing as stamp removed from aerogram). I cant think of much more to say just now so will bring this to a close hoping to hear from you very soon. Remember me to them all up there so Cherio for now, hoping you are all in the pink as it leaves me. Thanking you both once more. I remain Yours sincerely Percy". HIS SACRIFICE WILL BE REMEMBERED. Read More

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Casualty

Service Number:

37085

Name:

Percival William Keeling

Rank:

Private

Date of Birth:

Not known

Date of Enlistment:

Not known

Unit:

New Zealand Infantry, 22 (Motor) Battalion

Casualty Details

Cause of Death:

Killed in action

Date of Death:

04 September 1942

Day of Death:

Friday

Age at Death:

Conflict:

WW2

Embarkation Details

Text in italics supplied by Cenotaph Online, Auckland War Memorial Museum

Cemetery

Cemetery:

El Alamein War Cemetery

Cemetery Reference:

I. B. 18.

Cemetery Location:

Egypt