Clark, N B (Neil Blake)
Clark, N B (Neil Blake)
Second Lieutenant Neil Blake Clark was the son of William Moore Wallis Clark and of Zelie Marguerite Clark (nee Lopdell), of Upperlands. Born 6th October 1926, he was only 19 when he died, having gained the rank 2nd Lieutenant the following month after his birthday. He had previously served with the Home Guard.
During the war Neil was at Shrewsbury school and a member of the home guard and Junior Training Corps before joining the Irish Guards after leaving and receiving commission as an officer in November 1945.
On the 17th of January 1946, Neil took over his first command. That day he was killed in a bombing accident during training at Lingfield, Surrey. A tragic start to what seemed would be a promising career.
Neil’s body was taken back to Northern Ireland to his parents’ home for burial. He was laid to rest a few days later, on the 27th of January 1946. Brigadier General R. C. A. McCalmont was present along with members of the Home Guard and British Legion.
Date of Death: 17/01/1946 (Aged 19)
Service: Second Lieutenant, Irish Guards
Service Number: 360119
Burial Location: Maghera Church of Ireland Churchyard, Grave 5
