Issue 36 2023 - Journal - Page 86
attack on Japanese forces occupying airfields in Burma,
what is today Thailand. As Scarf became airborne, a
formation of Japanese bombers swept over the airfield
destroying every British aircraft on the ground.
Realising that none of his squadron’s aircraft had survived
the Japanese bombing, Scarf was determined to complete
his squadron’s allotted task. Flying low for some 30 miles
into enemy occupied territory, Scarf skilfully evaded several attacks by Japanese fighters, and released the bombs
whilst his crew manned the machine guns. With the task
complete and now heading home, more Japanese fighters
arrived attacking at close range. Greatly outnumbered,
hopelessly outgunned and in aircraft slower than the enemies, Scarf flew at tree top height, desperately seeking
whatever protection he could find. Despite evading the
worst of the Japanese attacks, machine gun fire riddled
the Blenheim. Scarf was mortally wounded but continued
to fly the aircraft while being held upright by his crew
mates and managed to make a controlled crash landing
at a nearby British controlled airfield without injury to his
crew, but Scarf died from his wounds shortly afterwards.
Above, Flying Instructors at 9 FTS RAF Thornaby. Flt
Lt J Grandy minus hat and Sqn Ldr D'Arcy Grieg
The Victoria Cross was awarded posthumously in 1946
and was presented to his widow, Elizabeth, by King
George VI at Buckingham Palace.
Arthur’s heroic story can inspire future generations for
many years to come. To support the RAF Museum’s
mission to raise the money needed to save Scarf’s VC
medal from leaving the UK, visit the Save the Scarf VC
Go Fund Me page. (www.gofundme.com/f/save-the-scarf-vc)
Opposite, Scarf (right) at 9 Flying Training School (FTS), RAF
Thornaby 1936 - RAF Museum CollectionBelow, wreath at the grave of Scarf postwar - Crown Copyright, RAF Museum
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