David Clemetson facts for kids

David Louis Clemetson (born October 1, 1893 – died September 21, 1918) was born in Jamaica into a successful family. He was one of the first black people to become an officer in the British Army. He joined the Pembroke Yeomanry as an officer in October 1915. Sadly, he was killed in action in France in September 1918.

Before Clemetson, other black officers served in the British military. These included Nathaniel Wells in the Yeomanry Cavalry (1820-1822) and John Perkins in the Royal Navy (1775-1804). Later, Walter Tull and George Bemand also became officers.

Growing Up in Jamaica

Clemetson was born in Port Maria, Saint Mary Parish, Jamaica. He was the oldest son of David Robert Clemetson and Mary Eliza. His family lived on the Frontier Estate, which was a large farm.

His grandfather, Robert Clemetson, was born into slavery. However, he was freed by his own father and became a very successful and wealthy person in Jamaica. Robert Clemetson was even elected to the House of Assembly of Jamaica in 1840.

David Clemetson went to school at Potsdam School in Jamaica. Then, he went to Clifton College in Bristol, England. While there, he joined the Officers' Training Corps, which prepared young people for military leadership. He later studied Law at Trinity College, Cambridge starting in 1912. He also enjoyed rowing for his college's boat club.

Serving in World War I

Unicorn Cemetery, Vendhuile, where David Clemetson is buried.

When World War I began, Clemetson left college without finishing his degree. He joined the army in 1914, becoming part of the 1st Sportsman's Battalion. He quickly showed leadership skills and became an acting lance sergeant. He even played rugby for his battalion's team. Because of his excellent work, his commander recommended him for an officer position. On October 27, 1915, he became a second lieutenant in the Pembroke Yeomanry.

His unit, the 1/1st Pembroke Yeomanry, was sent to Egypt in March 1916. He may have fought in the Second Battle of Gaza. Later, he had to return to England because he suffered from shell shock, which is a type of stress from being in war. On his way back, his ship, HMHS Dover Castle, was sunk by a German submarine near North Africa in May 1917. Luckily, he was rescued!

While he was recovering, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in July 1917. He then returned to his unit, which had joined with another to form the 24th (Pembroke and Glamorgan Yeomanry) Battalion, Welsh Regiment. He served on the Western Front in France starting in March 1918.

David Clemetson was killed in action near Péronne, France, in September 1918. This was less than two months before the war ended with the Armistice of 11 November 1918. He is buried at Unicorn Cemetery in Vendhuile, France. His name is also on the British West Indies Regiment memorial in Port Maria, Jamaica. A friend wrote a poem called "In Memoriam" about him, which was published in the Jamaica Gleaner after his death.