Far from the pomp, circumstance, and VIPs of Whitehall and the Cenotaph memorial service, a small group of people gathered quietly to remember one of the fallen of the second world war, near Newchurch on Romney Marsh.
This intimate gathering comes together at the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month each year, by the roadside memorial to Pilot Officer Arthur Clarke, 504 Squadron RAF, who lies, still in the cockpit of his crashed aircraft, just a few yards from the road into Newchurch.
One of the ‘Few’, PO Clarke, aged just 20, was shot down on the afternoon of September 11, 1940. He was listed as ‘missing’ until 1971 when the tangled remains of his Hawker Hurricane were excavated, and evidence, including a pocket-handkerchief embroidered with the name Clarke, confirmed the pilot had remained with his doomed aircraft. Members of his surviving family conveyed their wish “To leave Bill’s remains where they lie.”
The small group who gather to remember PO Clarke only see each other on this occasion. “We don’t even know each other’s names,” said one. Sometimes there are strangers. This year, two cyclists stopped to pay their respects and observe the two minutes silence. The few ‘regulars’ greet each other quietly. Heads are bowed, silence reigns, and then just as quietly, they all depart.
Pilot Officer Arthur Clarke is certainly remembered. And in the most intimate and personal remembrance service possible.
Image Credits: Chris Lawson .