Jack Rife Beirnes

Jack Rife Beirnes (November 24, 1915 - June 1, 1945) was a Canadian squadron leader who flew Typhoons during the Second World War in Europe. He was awarded the DFC and Bar for his successes with the Wildcat Squadron (No. 438) (later renamed the 438 Tactical Helicopter Squadron). Beirnes was born in Birtle, Manitoba but grew up in Tofield, Alberta where his father ran a drugstore. He was always fascinated by flying and drove a cab in Edmonton to pay for his flying lessons.

During his wartime career, he completed three operational tours. His squadron (then the 118) was ordered to the Aleutian Islands to defend against the Japanese. They flew the Kittyhawk fighter. His two European tours were on Typhoons.

The London Gazette of October 24, 1944 reported: No. 438 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn. In July 1944 Squadron Leader Beirnes led a formation of aircraft in an attack on a vital railway bridge over the river Orne just south of Caen. In spite of intense anti-aircraft fire and much low cloud the attack was pressed home and the bridge destroyed. In this well executed operation, Squadron Leader Beirnes displayed a high degree of skill, courage and leadership. In August, 1944, this officer again proved his skill when leading a formation in an attack against enemy mortar positions near the Forest of Grimbosq.

Hugh A. Halliday in his book Typhoon and Tempest describes a very successful day for Beirnes in 1944: "September 10 produced four missions. At 1520 hours S/L Beirnes led nine Typhoons to the area of Turnhout-Venlo-Eindhoven to strafe four trains, each with 10-20 cars. In each case the locomotive was destroyed. The flight landed at 1630 and was off again at 1930, this time with 500-pounders to blast shipping at Hoedekenskerke. All bombs were on target, hitting either ships or docks. One ship, apparently carrying ammunition, blew up in spectacular fashion and another vessel was left smoking."

The London Gazette of September 14, 1945 reported: Now on his third tour of operational duty, this officer has proved to be an outstanding squadron commander. In April 1945 Squadron Leader Beirnes led his squadron on a rail interdiction sortie which severely disrupted the enemy's lines of communication. On another occasion he led an attack on a light cruiser. His squadron scored six hits despite heavy opposition from anti-aircraft fire. The cruiser was set ablaze and was seen to be listing to port. This officer had displayed coolness and courage throughout.

He was killed in a plane crash after his engine failed on June 1, 1945. He is buried in a cemetery in Aabenraa, Denmark.