The story of Captain Kinnery, S.A.A.F.
Captain John Frederick “Jack” Kinnery (1918–1944), born in London and raised in Johannesburg, trained as a surveyor before enlisting in the South African Air Force in 1940. Rising through the ranks from air gunner to pilot, he served in North Africa with No.15 Squadron, enduring malaria before returning to flying duties. Promoted to temporary captain in 1943, he was seconded to the RAF, completing night fighter training and joining No.29 Squadron in late 1944. On 2 December 1944, while piloting a Mosquito Mk XIII on an intruder mission over the Netherlands, his aircraft crashed into the IJsselmeer, leaving his navigator, F/O John Derek Morgan, missing without a grave. Kinnery was later confirmed killed in action and now rests at Oostergaarde Cemetery, Harderwijk. Honoured with multiple campaign medals, his memory endures through annual remembrance ceremonies at Harderwijk, organized since 2017 and now led by the foundation We Will Remember. These commemorations, attended by international representatives, students, and veterans, affirm the enduring duty to remember the sacrifices of Allied airmen. Captain Kinnery’s story embodies courage, service, and the collective commitment to keep alive the names of those who gave their lives for freedom.