<Previous

Next>

Eric George Clark was born and grew up in the Chelmsford area. After studying at tehe town's grammar school he followed family tradition to work for the General Post Office. He served in teh R.A.F., including a period training in Canada and was fatally injured when hit by a car at an Essex airfield in January 1946. His home was in Writtle Road.

Eric was born in the Chelmsford district in 1923, the only son of Arthur George Clark (1889-1971) and Mabel Annie Clark (nee Fisher, 1893-1971)). His parents had married at St. John's Church in Moulsham on 17th October 1917. At that time Eric's father was a 25 year-old soldier living in Springfield. His broide was a year younger and lived in Moulsham.

Eric had a younger sister born in 1928.

After attendiing Chelmsford's grammar school Eric was employed as a clerical officer in the Accountant General's Department of the Post Office, maintaining a family tradition of working for that organisation. In 1940 the Essex Chronicle reported:

"Unique Postal Service.—Mr. E. G. Clark, of 80 Writtle Road, Chelmsford, who was a successful candidate in the Civil Service examinations held early last year, has been appointed clerical officer in the Accountant General's Department of the General Post Office. His appointment provides for the continuance of his family's long association with the Post-office. His great-great-grandfather, the late Mr. James Clark, was presented with a purse of gold by the inhabitants Chelmsford in 1873 for his long and faithful service as letter carrier for over 30 years. His great-grandfather was a postman at Chelmsford for over 40 years, while his grandfather, Mr. Jack Clark, of 8 Hill Road, Chelmsford, served as posunan for 42 years. His father, Mr. A. G. Clark, is an overseer at Chelmsford Postoffice. At present the Post-office service performed by the family totals 150 years. Mr. E. G. Clark was educated at Chelmsford Grammar School."

Eric subsequently served as Warrant Officer 1684914 in the Royal Air Force and trained in Canada. On 2nd January 1946 he was accidentally knocked down by a car on the runway at R.A.F. Wethersfield. He sustained a fractured skull and leg but appeared to be making good progress until 20th February 1946 when he suddenly died aged 22 in Cambridgeshire.

Eric George CLARK, Warrant Officer, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

Died in Cambridgeshire after being run over by a car. Aged 22

At the time of his death Eric's parents lived at 80 Writtle Road in Chelmsford. His father was Assistant Superintendent at Chelmsford Post Office and honorary secretary of the Falcon Bowling Club.

Eric's funeral was held at St. Mary's Church Widford on 25th February 1946 with the service conducted by the Rev. H. L. Pike. His fiancee, Helen McDonald, was unable to attend as she was in Canada.

Eric left an estate valued at £249 19s. 9d.

150308