Subject

The Empty Tomb

Text

n/a

Inscription

To the Glory of God in loving memory of Kenneth Edward Hepburn a member of this congregation who gave his life whilst serving his country on Dec. 14th 1944 aged 20 years. Erected by his parents

Description & History

The Empty Tomb, a two-light memorialto Kenneth Hepburn, was installed opposite the congregation's tribute toall themen from the church who served and those who died, including Kenneth Hepburn, whose name appears on both windows. The subject of the Empty Tomb was selected to illustrate life after death for the young airman and the badge of his old school, Scotch College was included in the base panel, alongside the RAAF badge.

Kenneth Edward Hepburn was the younger son of Mr. and Mrs. EA Hepburn of 'Cluny', Cumberland Street, Heidelberg. Their elder son, Alec joined the AIF and a daughter Margaret was Captain in the AAMC. Hepburn had completed one year of an engineering degree at the University of Melbourne when he enlisted in the RAAF on his eighteenth birthday. After gaining his 'wings' he was posted as a flying instructor at Narrandera NSW before joining 2 Operational Training at Mildura. During dive bombing exercises near Wentworth, Hepburn's Kittyhawk A9-176 was seen to spiral dive from 2200 feet and to disintergrate on landing. No cause was identified. Flight Sergeant Hepburn was buried in Mildura Public Cemetery.

References & Acknowledgements

AWM Roll of Honour; NAA: A705, 166/17/903; NAA: A9845, 8; Argus, 25 October 1944, p.8; 15 December 1944, p.2; 30 December 1944, p.12.

With thanks to Rev. Beth Hancock and staff at Heidelberg Uniting Church.