Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Patrick Edward Thomas Tiernan  (1914 -1944)

Patrick Edward Thomas Tiernan was the Son of James and Mary Tiernan, of Murgon, Queensland, Australia.left Murgon in 1942, was drafted into the Militia as were all 'Eligible males'.  He subsequently transferred to the RAAF and undertook initial selection in Australia for aircrew training.  He then embarked for advanced training in the UK.

He was part of a seven-man crew in a Halifax MZ 715 bomber which was shot down on June 16, 1944.

His brother John received a telegram that stated the German Army confirmed Flt Sgt Tiernan had died during the crash.

But until recently the wider Murgon community had been unaware of the gunner or where he was buried.

That was until Dutch Mayor of Neder-Beutwe, Burgemeester Kees Veerhoek, contacted South Burnett Regional Council Mayor Wayne Kratzmann.

During the council's monthly meeting last week, Cr Kratzmann said he had received information about a Murgon solider who was buried at Dodewaard Uden.

"He was hoping we might have some more information about Flt Sgt Tiernan," he said.

"Each year they hold a memorial service on May 4 and Mr Veerhoek said he would like to include a photo and more information about the Aussie for whom they hold a two-minute silence."

Flt Sgt Tiernan is buried alongside a fellow Australian and two British soldiers.

Flt Sgt Tiernan's cousin Jillian Tiernan said family members had visited his grave on a number of occasions through the years.

"We have spoken with the Dutch family who found Patrick's body," she said.

Mrs Tiernan said Flt Sgt Tiernan attended Murgon State School before boarding at Nudgee College.

"He had just graduated from law when he joined the army but I expect it wasn't exciting enough for him," she said.

"I think that's why he joined the air force.

"He was very athletic and had his whole life ahead of him.

"Being a gunner was dangerous and he'd only flown a few times.

"Unfortunately he didn't make it back."

Former Murgon Shire Mayor Bill Roberts said he remembered Flt Sgt Tiernan well.

"The family were quite well known in Murgon, owning the Australian Hotel for 82 years," he said.

"Just before Patrick went off to war, they held a big ball for him and he and a few other air force chappies had a whale of a time.

"That was in 1942 and the last time he was in Murgon."

Mr Roberts said knowing about Flt Sgt Tiernan's final resting place was great for the Murgon community.

"It is a fantastic bit of history for Murgon," he said.

"And recognising the work he did is important."

Cr Kratzmann said he was hoping for a grant to send students from Murgon State High School to attend the memorial service in the Netherlands next year and personally deliver a photo of Flt Sgt Tiernan and other information about the war hero.

https://www.noosanews.com.au/news/raaf-man-had-been-a-murgon-resident/1641681/