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Jack Rice (b.18 August 1923 – d.17 August 2011)
Page last updated on Monday, September 19, 2011
Jack Thomas Edward Rice, Second World War Spitfire pilot and long term member of the Spitfire Society, passed away on the 17th August 2011, the day before his 88th birthday, nine months after an operation for cancer.
A cricket-mad Surrey boy of humble background, the son of a tool maker and carpenter, he tried to volunteer for service at the outbreak of war but had to wait till his 17th birthday in 1940 before he could join the RAF.
He trained as a fighter pilot in Africa and earned his wings in 1942, following which he saw service in the Mediterranean, took part in the liberation of Italy and flew guard sorties on supply drops to Tito's partisans in Yugoslavia.
Posted to India he joined 17 Squadron and saw action in Burma.
After the war he worked his way up from factory floor to company director of an electronics companies in West London. Always good humoured and fond of sport, ballroom dancing, good food and wine, he leaves a long term partner, two sons and two grand-daughters, and many friends. Much loved and sorely missed.
