Keith Pearce was born in Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia on 9 March 1947, the son of Edward Neville Pearce. After leaving school he. joined the Royal Australian Navy on 7 July 1963 at HMAS LEEUWIN. He was trained and qualified as a Weapons Electrical Mechanic (Radar). After training he is reported to have served in HMAS PENGUIN, HMAS SYDNEY, and HMAS ANZAC.

Keith was drafted to HMS DOLPHIN for Submarine Training from 20 May 1966 and was reported to be at HMS DOLPHIN II from 7 July 1966. His nickname was ‘Blue’ which is understood to be related to him being red haired.

His RAN Service Record Card reports that he was ‘Discharged Dead’ on 2 May 1967 and quotes an ANRUK signal advising the Navy Office in Canberra of his passing. It is understood that he may have been killed in a car accident and his death is recorded in the Scunthorpe Registration District, but no details of the accident are available. Keith Neville Pearce is buried in the Rookwood General Cemetery, Rookwood New South Wales in Grave No 1331.