The Airmen's Stories - P/O C A G Clark

Colin Anthony Gordon Clark, whose family came from Johannesburg, South Africa, was born on 14th November 1911 in Hale, Surrey, the son of Colin and Vera Clark.

He joined the RAF on a short service commission in April 1939. He joined 266 Squadron in October 1939 and was serving with the Fighter Interception Unit by 25th June 1940.

On 13th October Clark was flying Blenheim L6805, operating as a target aircraft for an AI-equipped Boston. Due to an error in the use of the fuel cocks, he experienced engine failure and made a crash-landing near Lancing College. The aircraft was written off but the crew (Clark, AC1 WE Reece, AC1 FH Mitchell) was unhurt.

Clark was killed on 30th October 1941, as a Flight Lieutenant with 137 Squadron. Newly-formed and equipped with Whirlwinds, the squadron had flown its first operational sortie on 24th October, attacking the railway sidings at Landernean near Brest.

Clark was lost when he went into the sea whilst on an operational flight in P7091. His body was recovered by the destroyer HMS Atherstone (report below) and taken to the Royal Naval Hospital at Stonehouse in Plymouth.

Above image courtesy of the National Archives.

His mother Vera Mary had a married sister, Mrs. Robin Dowson, who lived in Geldeston in Norfolk and she arranged for Clark to be buried in St. Michael's churchyard there.