Jack was born and grew up in Chatham and, by 1937, while still in his teens, enlisted with the Royal Artillery. He transferred to the Royal Air Force in March 1941.
Rising through the ranks, Jack became a Warrant Officer – the highest non-commissioned rank in the RAF – serving with No. 3 Aircraft Delivery Unit, 75 Staging Post, Oujda in French Morocco. His unit played a vital role in ferrying aircraft across the Mediterranean theatre, ensuring they reached operational squadrons.
On 25 May 1944, while piloting a Martin Marauder II bomber (serial number FB515) on a delivery flight, his aircraft struck high ground near Enfidaville. All six airmen aboard were killed.
Jack lies buried in Massicault War Cemetery, Tunisia, where the inscription on his headstone reads:
AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN AND IN THE MORNING WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
