CLARKE, Flight Lieutenant Douglas Forrester, DFC, AFC, CdeG(Belg). NZ417018 & 72876; Born Te Kuiti, 3 Aug 1921; RNZAF 21 Dec 1941 to 12 Jan 1946 & 10 Jan 1949 to 15 Oct 1957, Res. to 15 Oct 1963; Pilot.

Croix de Guerre (Belg) (19 Sep 1944): Not available. In mid1944 Fg Off Clarke was seconded from 485 Sqn to 349 (Belgian) Sqn RAF (Spitfire) as they were short of sub-section leaders. During his time with 349 Sqn he shared in the destruction of a Fw190 and was awarded the Croix de Guerre for his services to the Sqn.

Citation Distinguished Flying Cross (8 May 1945): [485 Sqn RNZAF (Spitfire)] Flying Officer Clarke has flown on numerous dive bombing and low level attacks. At all times he has set a fine example of courage, skill and devotion to duty. He has also, since D-Day, done much valuable work in support of the army, causing considerable destruction to enemy mechanical transports and locomotives, barges and ground installations. On one occasion, when his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire, he showed great initiative and tenacity, in flying his damaged aircraft back to base. Flying Officer Clarke's fine fighting spirit and outstanding keenness for operational flying have always merited the highest praise.

Following his operational service Flt Lt Clarke served for a time as a test pilot with the Day Fighter Development Wing, RAF. Citation Air Force Cross (NY1952): [5 Sqn RNZAF (Catalina)] Not available - but awarded for his resolute and skilful attempts, in bad weather, to airlift a sick man from the Campbell Islands on 8 and 9 Oct 1951. See pp192-196 of RNZAF-A Short History by G Bentley for a story on this rescue attempt, during which a number of crew of the aircraft were injured due to the extreme turbulence encountered.

From "BY SUCH DEEDS"