Memories of the War - William Clarke
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.
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.
1945 he was reshipped to India and was training to invade Japan and then returned to the UK in 1946.
William wanted to stay home to carry on the family business in 1943 (Clarke's Building Llandaff) but was not allowed to stay.
The fuse of an anti-aircraft missile went through the roof of the family home in Radyr (roughly 1941).
He served in the 5th Field Company, Royal Engineers, 81st West African Division.
Was awarded an MBE after the war (civic duties).
Awarded 1939-45 star medal, Burma star, Defence medal, 1939-45 medal and Territorial decoration.
History
Item list and details
1. Correspondences between William, the family and the army regarding leaving the duty to take over the business. 2. Anti-aircraft fuse cap. 3. William's war years. 4. Military memories from the Llandaff cemeteries.Person the story/items relate to
William ClarkePerson who shared the story/items
Guy ClarkeRelationship between the subject of the story and its contributor
Contributor's fatherType of submission
Shared at Llandaff Memorial Hall, Cardiff on 11 November 2023. Organised by The Cathedral School, Llandaff.Record ID
111376 | LLA005Usage metrics
