Memories of the War - William Clarke

<p dir="ltr">William Clarke joined the army as an engineer in 1939. In West Africa, they recruited 2 divisions of African troops and spent around 2 years training them.</p><p>In 1943, he returned to the UK to take over the family business which was working on the restoration of Llandaff Cathedral. He was then shipped to India and re-joined the West African division and took part in the liberation of Burma.</p><p>1945 he was reshipped to India and was training to invade Japan and then returned to the UK in 1946.</p><p> William wanted to stay home to carry on the family business in 1943 (Clarke's Building Llandaff) but was not allowed to stay. </p><p>The fuse of an anti-aircraft missile went through the roof of the family home in Radyr (roughly 1941).</p><p>He served in the 5th Field Company, Royal Engineers, 81st West African Division.</p><p>Was awarded an MBE after the war (civic duties).</p><p>Awarded 1939-45 star medal, Burma star, Defence medal, 1939-45 medal and Territorial decoration.</p>