The Australian Women's Register

Summary

Leading Aircraftwoman (LACW) Kathleen Pearson was appointed to the Order of the British Empire (Military) on 25 January 1955 for brave conduct in a fire in a barracks. In June 1954, while stationed at No. 1 Stores Depot, Tottenham, she and another servicewoman of the Women’s Royal Australian Air Force (WRAAF) were in the recreation room. While talking and standing before an open fire, Pearson’s companion’s clothing caught fire. Pearson attempted to extinguish the flames but the other servicewoman, frightened and screaming, tried to run. Pearson caught her, threw her to the ground and rolled her in nearby carpet to extinguish the flames before seeking assistance. Pearson received second-degree burns, and her companion recovered. For her actions LACW Kathleen Pearson was appointed to the Order of the British Empire (BEM).