Sapper Kenneth Clarke

Sapper Kenneth Clarke came from Cheshire and served with 9th Field Company (Airborne), Royal Engineers during World War II.

He formed part of the coup de main party of ten gliders tasked with capturing the Ponte Grande Bridge near Syracuse, during the Sicily landings in 1943. Unfortunately his glider, which contained elements of 9 Field Coy's 3 Platoon under the command of L/Sgt  Frank, parted company with its tug about seven miles from the Sicilian coast and ditched into the sea. Spr Clarke was amongst the survivors who were later rescued.

After taking part in the Italy campaign, he deployed with 3 Platoon in support of 1st Airborne Division's assault to capture the Rhine Crossings at Arnhem.

He was most probably killed during a German attack on his platoon's positions near the Driel Ferry, shortly after midnight on 21 September 1944, although his date of death is recorded by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission as 25 September.

Sapper Clarke died aged 24 years, and was given a field burial near the junction of Veerweg and the Driel ferry road. He is now buried at Oosterbeek War Cemetery, Arnhem.