Jack William Thomas Purdy

A Pilot Officer with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Jack died on 12th of February 1944 aged 26. 

Jack was born at Lowestoft on 22 December 1917, a son of William and Edith Purdy. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 17 January 1918 and his family lived at 196 Clapham Road. 

On 23 December 1939 Jack married Patricia Gertrude Harling at Saint John’s Church. Jack was a Sergeant with the Royal Air Force and gave his address as 196 Clapham Road, and Patricia lived at 4 Stanley Street. By 1944 their home was at 85 Waveney Crescent.

Jack, who’s service number was 754633, was promoted to Warrant Officer and he was trained as a Pilot. He was appointed Pilot Officer, on probation, with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve on 16 August 1943. 

On 12 February 1944 Jack was serving with 137 Squadron and flew Typhoon IB, number MM974 'R', from Lympne, Kent, on a Ramrod mission to Ardouval. The aim was to attack the V-1 missile site. Jack aircraft failed to return, and it is possible that it crashed due to engine failure.  

WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass