The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. G T Clarke

Gordon Thomas Clarke, of Burntwood, Staffordshire was born on 13th October 1920, the son of Samuel Clarke (1888-1972) and Jessie Maria Clarke (nee Tristram 1888-1956).

He joined the RAFVR around April 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot. He was called up on 1st September 1939 and after completing his training he joined 151 Squadron at Martlesham Heath on 15th July 1940.

Clarke was shot down by Me109s over Ramsgate on 24th August. Clarke crashed in Hurricane P3273 at Plumford Farm, Ospringe, wounded, and was admitted to hospital. He returned to operations on 19th October.

He married Phyllis May Sharman in July 1942.

His subsequent wartime service is currently unknown but Clarke was awarded the AFC (gazetted 7th September 1945) as a Warrant Officer. He stayed in the RAF postwar and was promoted to Master Pilot in October 1949 and commissioned in March 1953.

On 11th August 1953 Clarke was killed in Harvard T Mk.2B KF329 of 107 Maintenance Unit, which he abandoned after being unable to recover from a spin near Geneifa. He was too low and his parachute failed to open. He is buried in Fayid Military Cemetery, Egypt.

SAC R Jackson was killed in the same incident.