James Farrar

James Donald Farrar (5 October 1923 – 26 July 1944) was an English poet.

Biography

Farrar was born on 5 October 1923 in London, the second son of Donald Frederic Farrar (1897–1982), a former Royal Flying Corps supply pilot, and Mabel Margaret Farrar, née Hadgraft (1896–1985). He lived in Carshalton, a small village in Surrey, England. He attended the local grammar school, Sutton Grammar School, before working in London. He was the younger brother of the aeronautical engineer David J. Farrar - references to David appear throughout his published writings - and first cousin of Stewart Farrar.

As James had volunteered for the RAF, he was called up in February, 1942 and received his commission as Pilot Officer the following year, serving with 68 Squadron. On the night of 25–26 July 1944, James attempted to intercept a V1 flying bomb and his aircraft disappeared. He never returned and was subsequently presumed dead.

Literary achievements

James Farrar's collection of poetry and prose was published in 1950 in an anthology entitled, "The Unreturning Spring", edited by Henry Williamson. An abridged version, "Spring Returning" edited by Christopher Palmer, was published in 1986.