Rededication service to honour WWII US airman near Howwood

A Fallen American airman remembered with new Gleniffer Braes memorial

A new monument honouring a young American airman killed in a 1943 plane crash near Howwood was unveiled yesterday during a wet and windswept ceremony on the Gleniffer Braes.

The memorial to 2nd Lt Herman C. “Jack” Carey was officially unveiled by Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron at the remote Hartfield Moss site on the B775 (Gleniffer Road), surrounded by farmland, moorland and low cloud that made the setting feel almost as isolated as the day of the accident.

Despite the driving rain and strong winds, a piper and colour party were in attendance at Hartfield Farm, and a short outdoor church service was led by Rev Ian Miller, a Baptist minister. Wreaths were laid and the Last Post was played in tribute.

Those present included 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.

Many locals may not have known that the original memorial to Lt Carey stood in the field at Hartfield Farm for over 20 years. Born on 23 January 1914 in Knoxville, Tennessee, he served as a Second Lieutenant in the 311th Ferry Command, 27th Air Transport Group of the USAAF during World War II.

At 11.10am on 29th December 1943, he took off from Renfrew Airport in a P-47D Thunderbolt on a delivery flight to Burtonwood Air Base in Cheshire. Around 20 minutes later, in heavy mist and low cloud, the aircraft came down through trees and crashed into a field, killing the 29-year-old pilot instantly. He was the sole occupant and was later awarded the Purple Heart. His remains were returned to the United States and he is buried in Lynnhurst Cemetery in his hometown of Knoxville.

In recent years that stone was badly vandalised and left in pieces, but local farmer David Jamieson and his son Alan recovered and reassembled what they could.

Since last September, members of Howwood Community Council have been working to replace the damaged memorial and trace any of Lt Carey’s surviving relatives. Despite their efforts, no family contact has yet been made.

A relative previously 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.”

After yesterday’s service, guests made their way back to The Boarding House in Howwood for refreshments, a display of historical material and a short talk about Lt Carey’s life and service.

Best Regards,
RENFREWSHIRE NEWS

RENFREWSHIRE NEWS: 7 Phoenix Place, Elderslie, Renfrewshire, PA5 9AR
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Photo: 2nd Lt. Herman Carl Jack Carey

many thanks to Ricky at Renfrewshire News for the information.

Photographs on the day courtesy of David Cameron.