Operation: Escort

Date: 28th March 1943 (Sunday)

Unit: No. 118 (RCAF) Squadron. Western Air Command

Type: Kittyhawk I

Serial: AK821

Code: RE/VW-?

Base: Annette Island, Alaska, USA

Location: 300 yards NNW of A runway, Annette Airfield

Pilot: Fl/Lt. Arthur Jarred (Jnr.) C/4808 RCAF Age 27. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

Joined in a formation of Kittyhawks escorting a C-47 carrying the bodies of three female USO Troop (1) members who perished in an earlier crash in stormy, snowy weather.

Further details here.

The aircraft had just returned from another operation and carried a 300 lb. bomb. For some reason, Fl/Lt. Jarred engaged in a low altitude upward roll which he completed but not without stalling at the top. The aircraft went into an uncontrollable spin and crashed killing him instantly.

A Court of Inquiry was held within two days of the accident.

The findings: 'Fl/Lt. Jarred was instantly killed when his aircraft went into a spin at a very low altitude and crashed into the ground'. The Inquiry noted the Pilots flying times: Dual hrs - 55.45 hrs. Solo: - 758.55 hrs. It made the following recommendation: 'That all pilots be warned repeatedly of the danger of carrying out aerobatics with an overloaded aircraft and at a low altitude. That infringements of C.A.P. 100 of this nature will be dealt with severely'.

His flying partner, that day, was F/O. Jack Beirnes (2) who, apparently, performed the same manoeuvre (without a bomb attached) and survived. As wingman, he, too, had to face a Court Martial because he was part of the incident. He received a reprimand and some loss of seniority but went on to become a Squadron Leader.

(1) USO - The United Service Organisation is an American nonprofit-charitable corporation that provides live entertainment, such as comedians, actors and musicians, social facilities, and other programs to members of the United States Armed Forces and their families. Since 1941, it has worked in partnership with the Department of War, and later with the Department of Defence, relying heavily on private contributions and on funds, goods, and services from various corporate and individual donors. Although it is congressionally chartered, it is not a government agency.

(2) Sq/Ldr. Jack Rife Beurnes lost his life in June, 1945. Details here.

Burial details:

Buried on the 07th April 1943 with full military honours.

Fl/Lt. Arthur Jarred (Jnr). Lansing Cemetery (Deepdale). Lot 91. Sec. 7. Grave 1. Born on the 13th January 1916 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Educated at East Lansing High School and Northwestern University in Chicago. Worked as an office equipment salesman prior to service. Holder of Private Pilot Licence with Davis Flying School in Michigan (400 hrs). Also holder of Radio Telephone Operator Licence.

Enlisted on the 12th September 1940. Trained at No. 1 Service Flying Training School at Camp Borden. With No. 5 Bombing and Gunnery School at Dafoe, Saskatchewan where he worked as Staff Pilot from June to the end of December, 1941. On the 09th September promoted to Fl/Lt.

Son of Arthur (died 1978, age 88) and Gertrude Irene E. Jarred (née Breisch - died 14th November 1980, age 90), Brother of David (died 20th June 2013, age 83), Patricia,Christine (died 15th July 1991, age 77), Louise, Isabella and Marsha of 611 Ardson Road, East Lansing; husband of Marion M. Jarred (née Lickteig - married 10th September 1942), of 3208 South Blaisdell Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.

Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this crew with thanks to Francis Dutil (438 squadron historian), National Archives, Kew, Government of Canada, Paradie RCAF Archives, The Typhoon Project.

Pages regarding 1943 losses
Pages detailing RCAF Losses

Other sources as quoted below:

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