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Memories of John Clark

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posted on 2024-06-05, 19:54 authored by Their Finest Hour Project Team

My grandfather - John Clark

Born 9.1.1916 in Lewisham. Grew up in Tenby Pembrokeshire, Wales

Joined the Navy in 1938. Trained at HMS Royal Arthur. A Butlins camp in Skegness which was converted to a training centre. He became a Petty Officer Cook on HMS Adventure. A minelayer. Pendant No. M23. HE was the Captain's cook on board ship.

The objects are his campaign medals and the French book was his.

My Dad was born in 1941 when his father's ship was in Russia. When he found out about his son's birth he got drunk and got thrown in the brig for being drunk!

He was minelayer, based out of Milford Haven. Was at Fort William at one point. In the Mediterranean - supplying Gibraltar. His captain at one point was Captain Bowes-Lyons who was the Queen's brother.

He was part of D-Day. HMS Adventure was assigned as a repair ship for landing craft on Mulberry B.

History

Item list and details

1 and 2. French book belonging to John Clark. 3. Photograph of John Clark's medals.

Person the story/items relate to

John Clark

Person who shared the story/items

Matthew Clark

Relationship between the subject of the story and its contributor

He is the John Clark's grandson

Type of submission

Shared at Lancing Prep Worthing, West Sussex on 16 September 2023.

Record ID

99987 | LAN017