Bio
Jack Fairfield was born on the 27th July, 1915 in Windygates, Fife, Scotland. He was the eldest of four brothers; David, James, Frank and Norman; and sons of Edward and Ada Elizabeth née Webster.
He started working for Wemyss Coal Co. Ltd, East Wemyss in Fife in 1938, until he was transferred to their office at 116 Hope Street, Glasgow early 1939.
It was during this time, while studying to sit the Intermediate Examination of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries exams, to be held sometime in 1940, that he heard the news over the radio at 11 a.m. ‘that we were at war with Germany.’
On March 1940 he was ordered to appear for a medical examination at the Church Hall in Victoria Road, Kirkcaldy in Fife. On the 16th March he was formally sworn in and told he had been enrolled in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC).
“I had no idea what this was! The word ‘ordnance’ reminded me of guns.”
Throughout his time in the RAOC Jack Fairfield wrote an expansive journal describing his time during the war; it’s hardship, adventure, and the eventual impact it had on his life during and after the war.
“This is no tale of heroics. It is merely a short account of my time spent in the forces from March 1940 until September 1946 during the second world war”
Enjoy an interactive map experience around the UK below and learn more about the places Jack visited during his time in the second world war, which include passages from his journal, along with personal photos.
Throughout his time in the RAOC Jack Fairfield wrote an expansive journal describing his time during the war; it’s trial and tribulations and the eventual impact it had on his life during and after the war.
“This is no tale of heroics. It is merely a short account of my time spent in the forces from March 1940 until September 1946 during the second world war”
Enjoy an interactive map experience around the UK below and learn more about the places Jack visited during his time in the second world war, which include passages from his journal, along with personal photos.
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