Horsham District Council pays tribute to a 102-year-old WWII veteran
Horsham District Council has paid tribute to a 102-year-old WWII veteran who was believed to be the last survivor of the RAF’s elite Pathfinder squadrons.
Jack Dark was remembered during a meeting of the full council.
Clive Trott, the council’s Armed Forces Champion, said Mr Dark’s passing had ‘left a hole locally’.
He added: “Jack was a Horsham man, through and through. A lifelong resident of Mannings Heath, a passionate member of the Nurhurst Cricket Club, an employee with 45 years’ service of Horsham Council – from which he retired in 1968 as a financial planning officer.
“He was a pillar of the Horsham community and well-loved by local residents. He will be missed by all those who knew him.”
As a Flight Lieutenant, Mr Dark served as a navigator with the RAF’s 83 Squadron Pathfinder force, flying 28 successful missions against industrial and military targets in Nazi Germany between 1943 and 1945.
The targets also included capital ships of the Kriegsmarine.
The Pathfinders were elite crews who were sent ahead of the main bombers to mark targets with flares. Mr Dark’s role as navigator on the Lancaster Bomber was key to the success of the missions.
Mr Trott added: “News of his passing has been universally greeted with great sadness. Jack led a fascinating life of bravery and service – a life which should be celebrated and honoured.”