大象传媒

This story was told to Bob Reeves and added by Olivia Cubberley at the 大象传媒 Open Centre, with the kind permission of Mr V Clarke.

Vernon 'Nobby' Clarke was born in Ilkeston, Derbyshire on 24th July 1917, and was working as a spinner, before he joined the Royal Navy in 1939. After initial training, he was drafted to HMRT Brigand. after a few months he was then drafted to HMS Somali, and along with other Tribal Class Destroyers - was intrumental in the protection of Russian Convoys. He served on Somali and Ashanti from 1940 to 1942, until the Somali was sunk in September 1942 following a torpedo attack from U703. HMS Ashanti took Somali in tow for 3 days before she broke her tow and sank. This theatre of war was often described as one of the most hazardous during WW2, not only having to deal with constant submarine attacks and air attacks for most of the convoys passaage, but also having to cope with freezing tmerpatures and mountainous seas. There was also the constant threat of Germany's major warships, including 'Tirpitz'.

Vernon was, after survivors leave, drafted to Motor Torpedo Boats in the Mediteranean, taking part in the Malta Convoys, and subsequentely the Allied Landings in Anzio. MTB's also caused havoc to enemy shipping by attacking convoys. Vernon's job was a telegraphist.

Vernon is the holder of 1939-1945 Star, Atlantic Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, and the Defence Medal. when VJ was announced and the end of the war finally came, Vernon was based at the Signal Training Station HMS Mercury. He contiuned his Naval Career until 1953, discharged from HMS Redpole, and was then placed on 2 eears further reserve time.

He now enjoys his retirement with his wife in East Hull.

During the war years, Vernon's wife was a nurse at Kingston General Hospital, Beverley Road and also became an ambulance driver during the blitz of Hull.

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