Alfred Robert Clarke
Attended Queen Elizabeth School from 1927 to 1935. After leaving Queen Elizabeth he trained to be a teacher at Chester College before taking up scholastic appointments in Derby and Brinsley.
He was secretary of Queen Elizabeth's Old Boy's Association known as the Old Elizabethan's Society and leader of the Touring Club.
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- Military history
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Father Robert and Mary Clarke of Worle, Somerset. The family had lived in Sutton in Ashfield for many years
According to the Old Elizabethan's Service Roll Alfred was killed on returning from operations over enemy occupied territory. The Blenheim crashed on landing within 6 miles of the aerodrome. The pilot and the airgunner were also killed.
IBCC: Bristol Blenheim IV: Serial No L9183 Markings XD-X
Alfred was the observer in the crew. The Blenheim took off from Horsham for an attack over Ostend at 18:35 hrs and was returning when it crashed at 19:56 hrs at Manor Farm Little Plumstead 5 miles from Norwich. Eye witnesses reported that just before the crash, the crew released a flare and has the Blenheim circled collided with the tops of some trees. It may have turned back from the operation has the crash being more than a hour before the other aircraft returned.
Alfred had joined RAFVR prior to the outbreak of war and was called up soon after commencement of hostilities.
He was buried with full military honours at St Margaret's Church, Old Catton, Norwich near the aerodrome.
Old Elizabethan's Service Roll:Sgt Clarke was 23 years old and the son of Mr Robert Clarke who for many years resided at Sutton. He joined the R.A.F V.R. prior to the outbreak of war and was called up soon after the commencement of hostilities. He took part in many operations against the enemy.
After leaving school the deceased continued his education at Chester College and later obtained scholastic appointments at Derby and Brinsley.
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