Unveiling of New Memorial to American Pilot Who Lost His Life in Renfrewshire
A new memorial has been unveiled in Renfrewshire to honour a young American pilot who lost his life during the Second World War.
The memorial, which now stands beside an existing tribute at Hartfield Moss near Howwood, commemorates 2nd Lt Herman C. “Jack” Carey of the United States Army Air Forces. It was officially unveiled today, Wednesday 8th October 2025, in a moving ceremony attended by civic leaders, veterans, and members of the local community.
Lt Carey was just 29 years old when he was tragically killed on 28th December 1943. He had taken off from Renfrew Airport at 11.10am on a routine delivery flight to Burtonwood Air Base in Cheshire — a journey of around 200 miles. Just after 12.30pm, his P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft came down through trees into a field in the hills above Howwood, killing him instantly. He was the sole occupant.
Although far from home, Lt Carey’s story has endured in the hearts of the local community. After the war, his body was repatriated and laid to rest in Lynnhurst Cemetery in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he was born and raised. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart.
Today’s ceremony, led by Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron, featured the unveiling of the new memorial by Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire Dr Cor Hutton accompanied by a colour party and a piper. The Last Post was sounded against the peaceful backdrop of the Gleniffer Braes, followed by the laying of wreaths in tribute to the fallen airman.
Among those attending were the , representatives from the Royal British Legion, local councillors, and members of Howwood Community Council, who have worked tirelessly to ensure Lt Carey’s sacrifice is remembered for generations to come.
In a message shared from across the Atlantic, a family member expressed heartfelt gratitude:
“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 faraway 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.”
The ceremony stands as a poignant reminder of the international bonds forged during wartime, and of one young pilot’s courage — forever remembered in the hills above Howwood.
MORE INFORMATION
The death notice appeared in the Knoxville Journal 23 Jul 1948. Friday on Page 19
CAREY, SECOND LT. HERMAN C age 29 213, Overton Pl…was killed in a plane crash in Scotland, Dec. 28, 1943. He was a graduate of Knoxville High School, member Fountain City Central Baptist Church. He was serving in the U. S. Air Force Ferry Command. Survivors: father. Grover C. Carey: mother, Mrs. H. D. White: sisters. Miss Truma Carey, Mrs. B. C. Hughes: brothers, G. C. jr.., Everett and Gilbert Carey, all of Knoxville: Gilbert A. Carey of Tampa, Fla. Funeral 3:30pm Sunday Rose Chapel. Rev A F Mahan, Rev. Charles S. Bond officiating. The Marines will have charge of services at-the grave. Interment Lynnhurst Cemetery. The body remains at Rose.
Paisley Photographs 