Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Awarded on:

December 22nd, 1945

"Sergeant Clarke was acting as a rifle platoon commander during the attack on GRONINGEN on the 15th of April 1945. At the approaches to the town his company was held up by destroyed bridges across the many canals which were covered by enemy fire directed from strategically located strong points. In order to maintain the battalion attack it was absolutely essential that some sort of bridge be improvised at ones and the enemy cleared from the area.
Realizing the need for speed Sergeant Clarke immediately placed his men in suitable positions to engage the enemy while he personally conducted a search for bridging materials. Exposed to continuous sniping and enemy mortar fire, without regard to his own safety, he quickly located necessary barges and other materials and directed the building of the bridge. Then he organized his platoon to cross the canal and silence the enemy position.
Later, in the close house-to-house fighting in GRONINGEN, Sergeant Clarke displayed great coolness and ability as he led his men. He set a very high example of personal bravery by remaining exposed to enemy fire completely disregarding his own personal safety, in order to indicate danger points to his platoon and spare his men.
When the town had been finally cleared of enemy, his company was ordered to clear the northern approaches of the town to which the enemy had withdrawn. Once again the enemy had blown the canal bridge and was covering them with machine guns and snipers from a cluster of houses on the opposite bank.
Sergeant Clarke again played a leading part in effecting the initial crossing under fire, by means of the two Dutch barges. He led his platoon into the foremost group of houses in the face of heavy small arms fire, captured twenty-one prisoners, and, though alighting wounded, held the position until the enemy resistance was completely broken.
Throughout the entire battle of GRONINGEN, Sergeant Clarke led his men with coolness and bravery of the highest order."

Royal decree no. 2, dd. 8-12-1945