It is with sadness that the RAF family announces the death of World War Two veteran Albert Jarrett.
Albert, aged 98, grew up in Jamaica and joined the RAF at the age of 17 in 1942, starting his basic training on the island before travelling to the UK in 1943. He continued with his training at RAF Melksham, Wiltshire. Mr Jarrett was posted to Maintenance Units, working mainly in Logistics, serving at RAF Sutton Coldfield and RAF Grantham.
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Rightly proud of his service, Albert Jarrett continued to be part of the wider RAF family and to support his local community throughout his life. Reflecting on his service, he said: “I had a duty to my home country, and it was a pleasure to serve as part of a greater Commonwealth effort during the war. I was overwhelmed at the joy and celebrations going on around me [on VE Day]. It was a marvellous day unlike anything I have experienced since.”
Albert was demobilised in 1946 and returned to Jamaica. He came back to the UK in 1953 as part of the Windrush generation, living and working in Birmingham. In later years he met retired Warrant Officer Donald Campbell and the pair founded The Forgotten Generations, a charitable archive highlighting the contributions to the Armed Forces of British African and Caribbean people.
Image By: Cpl Chantelle Gregg
After inquiries to the Ministry of Defence, Albert belatedly received his War Service Medal in 2021. In June this year, at a Platinum Jubilee reception at Number 10 Downing Street, he received a Points of Light Award, for people who make change in their community. Later that month he visited RAF Wittering to take part in a Jamaican cultural day.
Image By: Cpl Chantelle Gregg
Wing Commander Jez Case is the Station Commander at RAF Wittering and met Mr Jarrett during the visit. He said: “Albert Jarrett was fiercely proud of his time in the Royal Air Force during World War Two. When he visited RAF Wittering in June, he spoke to us with passion about his pride in serving Queen and Country against Nazi Germany. I was struck by his energy and passion, and was enthralled by the stories he told. The thoughts of the Royal Air Force are with his family at this difficult time.”
In July, he carried the Queen’s Baton on its relay prior to the opening of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. During his leg of the relay Albert was pushed in a wheelchair by his friend former WO Campbell who said: “Albert has created a legacy and it was my pleasure to have met him.”
Albert was married three times and leaves a widow Shirley.
