Sergeant Alexander Clarke (1459281) served in 8th (Belfast) Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery during the Second World War. He was the only son of Alexander J. Clark and Margaret Alexandrina Clarke of 254 Ravenhill Road, Belfast.
Alexander Senior was a well-known journalist having spent many years at the Belfast News Letter. He then worked on Hansard as Editor of Debates after the foundation of a Northern Ireland Parliament at Stormont, Belfast. Alexander Junior attended Belfast Royal Academy, Belfast. He then gained employment on the clerical staff of the Belfast Harbour Board. He had worked there as a member of the General Manager’s personal staff for 6 years leading up to the outbreak of the Second World War.
In May 1939, Clarke joined the Territorial Army and served with the British Expeditionary Force in France. After evacuation from Dunkirk, he went on to serve in the defence of London and saw action at the Battle of Arakan, Burma. He died on 6th July 1944 aged 23 years old.
On 18th July 1944, Belfast Harbour Board recorded their regret at Clarke’s death. The resolution was moved by Sir Ernest Herdman and seconded by Sir Thomas Dixon. They also placed on record their appreciation of Clarke’s gallantry and expressed sympathy to his family. The General Manager Mr. W.J. Watkins referred to Clarke as a “very able official” and commended his patriotic outlook as “proved by his early entry into H.M. Forces”.
Alexander Clarke’s grave is in Section 8, Row B, Grave 13 of Karachi War Cemetery, Pakistan. His headstone bears the inscription:
He served his country well, and did his duty as it came, with cheerful heart.