Edward Denman Clarke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Denman Clarke
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|---|---|
| Born | 21 May 1898 Grand Duchy of Finland |
| Died | 5 September 1966 (aged 68) Isle of Wight |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1916–1919 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | No. 45 Squadron RAF |
| Awards | Commander of the Order of the British Empire Military Cross |
| Other work | Managing Director of Saunders-Roe Ltd. |
Captain Edward Denman Clarke (born May 21, 1898 – died September 5, 1966) was a brave pilot during World War I. He was known as a flying ace because he shot down six enemy aircraft. He also earned a special award called the Military Cross for his courage during a ground attack mission.
Later in his life, Clarke became a very important person in the aviation world. He was the managing director of a company called Saunders-Roe, which made planes and ships. For his work, he was given another high honor, the Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
Contents
Early Life and School
Edward Denman Clarke was born on May 21, 1898, in a place called the Grand Duchy of Finland. His family had a hunting lodge there. When he was older, he went to a famous school in England called Eton College.
Flying in World War I
Edward Clarke joined the Royal Flying Corps in early 1916. This was the air force of Britain during World War I. He started as a second lieutenant. On August 21, he became a flying officer and joined No. 45 Squadron RFC.
He was promoted to lieutenant on August 1, 1917. Between August 23 and October 20, he achieved six aerial victories. This means he successfully shot down six enemy planes.
A Heroic Mission
On October 26, 1917, Edward Clarke was flying his Sopwith Camel plane. He was attacking enemy positions on the ground during a big battle called the Battle of Passchendaele. During this mission, his plane was hit by enemy fire from the ground.
Even though he was wounded in both arms and his plane's fuel tanks were shattered, he managed to glide his damaged plane back to safety behind his own lines. His amazing bravery earned him the Military Cross. The official report about his award said:
"He showed great bravery and dedication. He shot down five enemy machines. In one attack, he flew very low, just 50 feet above the enemy soldiers, firing many rounds. Even though he was hit and wounded, he managed to fly his plane back safely."
On August 1, 1918, he became a temporary captain. He left the Royal Air Force on January 31, 1919, after the war ended.
Edward Clarke's Aerial Victories
Here is a list of the enemy planes Edward Clarke shot down during World War I:
| No. | Date/time | Aircraft | Foe | Result | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 23 August 1917 @ 0915 hours |
Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter serial number A1048 |
Albatros D.V | Driven down out of control | Bellewarde Lake | Observer/gunner: G. A. Brooke |
| 2 | 3 September 1917 @ 1310 hours |
Sopwith Camel s/n B2327 |
Albatros D.III | Set afire in midair; destroyed | Zandvoorde, Belgium | |
| 3 | 14 September 1917 @ 1424 hours |
Sopwith Camel s/n B2327 |
Albatros D.V | Driven down out of control | East of Merckem | |
| 4 | 20 September 1917 @ 1120 hours |
Sopwith Camel s/n B2327 |
Albatros D.V | Destroyed | Passchendaele, Belgium | |
| 5 | 26 September 1917 @ 1650 hours |
Sopwith Camel s/n B2327 |
German two-seater | Destroyed | East of Zillebeke, Belgium | |
| 6 | 20 October 1917 @ 1240 hours |
Sopwith Camel | Albatros D.V | Driven down out of control | Kastelhoek |
Life After the War
After World War I, Edward Clarke got married to Audrey Rant. They had two sons, Larry and Peter, and a daughter named Valerie. Later, he married Maureen Cowie Leitch.
On May 31, 1956, Edward Clarke received another important award. He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. At this time, he was the managing director of Saunders-Roe Ltd. This company was located in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight.
Edward Denman Clarke passed away on September 5, 1966.
