Rededication service to honour WWII US airman near Howwood

A memorial to a young American pilot who lost his life in Renfrewshire during the Second World War will be rededicated next month.

The new monument, which commemorates 2nd Lt Herman C. “Jack” Carey of the US Army Air Forces, will be unveiled at Hartfield Moss near Howwood on Wednesday, 8th October, at 1pm.

Lt Carey was killed on 28 December 1943 when his P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft crashed in the hills above the village. At 11.10 that morning he had taken off from Renfrew Airport on a delivery flight to Burtonwood Air Base in Cheshire — a journey of around 200 miles. Just after 12.30, his aircraft came down through trees into a field, killing the 29-year-old instantly. He was the sole occupant.

Jack was repatriated and now rests in Lynnhurst Cemetery, Knoxville, Tennessee, where he was born and raised. He was awarded the Purple Heart.

The service will include the unveiling of the memorial by Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron, supported by a colour party and a piper. Wreaths will be laid and the Last Post will sound against the backdrop of the Gleniffer Braes.

The event will be attended by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, representatives of the Royal British Legion, local councillors and members of Howwood Community Council, who have worked to ensure Lt Carey’s story is not forgotten.

A family member of the pilot said: “Jack was always held close to the hearts of his parents and siblings. They would be grateful that their beloved Jack is remembered and honoured by the residents of the far away place where he died. As an American, I am deeply touched by this honour to a young American pilot who was unknown to anyone there but is remembered as representing his country in the fight alongside Great Britain to defeat Hitler.”

Road closures will be in place on Gleniffer Road from 10am to 3pm, with parking available 100 metres from the memorial.

Photo: 2nd Lt. Herman Carl Jack Carey

Headline photo credit: Howwood Community Council