Prince pays tribute by the graveside of forgotten VC hero
ROYAL CORRESPONDENT in Kuala Lumpur
ON ALMOST every day since 1947, the small cemetery for the Second World War fallen has lain all but unnoticed, tended patiently by volunteers in a quiet corner of Taiping.
Surrounded by the chirping of crickets in lush vegetation, few realise it is home to a British Victoria Cross recipient, largely forgotten by history despite his extraordinary feat.
Yesterday, the remarkable story of Squadron Leader Arthur Stewart King Scarf was recognised by the Prince of Wales, who visited his graveside to pay tribute.
In the first visit to the cemetery from a member of the Royal family, the Prince joined military veterans at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, laying a wreath in “grateful remembrance” of the “service and sacrifice” of 865 Christian and Muslim servicemen.
Drawn to the grave of Sqd Ldr Scarf, he was left “marvelling at the heroics” of the pilot, in an event aimed at sharing the stories of those lying in the Malaysian graveyard.
Sqd Ldr Scarf, who died on Dec 9 1941,wasawardedtheVCposthumously for “supreme heroism” against “tremendous odds” for actions at RAF Butterworth in what was then Malaya.
As all available aircraft prepared for a daylight attack on the Japanese Air Force base at Singora, Thailand, they were instead bombarded by a surprise sortie from the air.
Dive bombing and machine gun fire devastated every aircraft except the Bristol Blenheim piloted by Sqd Ldr Scarf. Pursued by the enemy, he performed “brilliant evasive action in a valiant attempt to return to his base” but was mortally wounded just as he made it over the border to Malaya. Despite the severity of his injuries, he made an emergency landing so smooth that all of his crew were uninjured.
After showing the “utmost gallantry and determination” he was taken to hospital, and treated by his wife Elizabeth Lunn, who gave her own blood in a futile attempt to try to save him. Soon afterwards, she lost their unborn child as well.
His death was not gazetted until 1946, as stories from the Malayan campaign began gaining recognition.
His citation reads: “Squadron Leader Scarf displayed supreme heroism in the face of tremendous odds and his splendid example of self-sacrifice will long be remembered.”
The Prince was yesterday directed to the grave to ensure just that, pausing to reflect on the sacrifices made by British and Commonwealth forces alike. Colonel Stephen Hall, British defence adviser to Malaysia, who gave the Prince a tour of the Taiping cemetery, said he had been told the story of the 28-yearold VC in front of a small audience.
Laying wreaths and taking a moment of silence at two memorials, the Prince also met local volunteers who tend the cemetery in conjunction with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. He told them: “You look like you take very good care of it. It makes such a difference. I can’t thank you enough.” Datuk Kay Hai Thuan, a retired First Admiral and vice-president of the Malaysian Armed Forces Chinese Veterans Association, said: “The families of the people buried here will be very proud and honoured.”
It was a calm moment in a busy schedule for the Prince and Duchess of Cornwall, and followed a keynote speech from the Prince about the “pivotal” Commonwealth.
Speaking at a dinner celebrating the ties between the countries, the Prince urged those listening to work together to solve problems including terrorism, climate change and inequality, saying they were “beholden” to leave a better world for their children.
“For I do not feel that it is realistic or fair for us simply just to pass our problems to the next generation in the hope that they will resolve them,” he said.
Later this week, the couple will continue their visit to Malaysia before spending two days in Delhi, India.
‘Squadron Leader Scarf displayed supreme heroism in the face of tremendous odds’