Born in Croydon on 2 February 1917, Ward was known as “Rufus” to his parents, but later his wife would prefer to call him “Arthur”. He was educated at Stanley Technical School and was an aircraft engineer. He joined No 600 Squadron AAF on 3 March 1936 and transferred to the RAFVR in December 1937 as an Airman u/t Pilot.
Called up at the outbreak of war, Ward completed his ab initio training at Redhill. He was at Flying Training School at Sealand from April to July 1940 and was awarded his flying badge on 20 May. He completed his training and arrived at 7 OTU, Hawarden on 12 August.
Ward joined No 19 Squadron at Fowlmere on 2 September, but moved on to No 616 Squadron at Coltishall three days later and was posted to No 66 Squadron at Gravesend on the 29th.
On 5 October he probably destroyed a Bf 109 and damaged two others. Over North Kent on 8 October just before noon, Sergeant Ward was shot down and killed by Bf 109s. His Spitfire, N 3043, crashed near Valley View Road, Borstal, near Rochester.
He is buried in Mitcham Road Cemetery, Croydon.
