Lieutenant R.S. Clarke M.C.

Operations in Burma, February - Mayl 1943

Lt. Clarke was an officer in No.1 Column 3/2nd G.R. He had gone through the whole training with the Bde and was therefore thoroughly educated in principles of Long Range Penetration. Following the death of his Company Commander in action on the Shweli on the 4th April. Lt. Clarke took over command of his Gurkha Rifle Coy. In this responsible post he displayed determination, courage and resource. He brought his coy. successfully across the Irrawaddy although he was attacked while doing so. In skirmishes with the enemy on the way home he exerted himself to the utmost, exposing himself with disregard for personal safety, to keep his men steady and united. Although the column was broken up by the Japanese ambush in the MU Valley, thanks to the excellent work of Lt. Clarke and other officers the majority crossed the Chindwin in organised armed parties, a few days later.