GB News paid tribute to World War 2 veteran Gilbert Clarke following his death on May 26 at the age of 100. Will Godley reported for the channel from his memorial service held in east London on Saturday.
Memorial Service Highlights
Speaking to the studio from outside the town hall, where the service was being held, Godley said: "It's a moving service celebrating the life of Gilbert Constantine Clarke. And on the front of the order of service, it has four pillars of his life highlighted. Of course, being an RAF World War 2 veteran, but also a Windrush pioneer, a musician, and a community elder, and the service here today brought together all four of those pillars of his life."
Current RAF servicemen acted as pallbearers, carrying his coffin into the town hall. An RAF representative paid tribute during the service, saying: "Leading aircraftman Gilbert Clarke, your duty is complete. Your service honoured, your watch ended in peace."
Tributes from Friends
Godley also aired a pre-recorded clip of Sir Patrick Vernon, a friend of Clarke, who said: "Gilbert was really self-made, as many veterans were during that time period. He was educated, sharp, witty, funny, really good sense of humour, but more important for me, he had this passion to tell his story, along with other veterans, about their contributions to the World War 2, and the legacy."
Sir Patrick added: "I've done a lot of work around the Windrush generation. He was part of that generation, and I think it's important that we acknowledge that I was involved in the campaign for National Windrush Day ... and Gilbert's part of that history."
Gilbert Clarke's Life and Service
Godley noted: "What's clear is just what an amazing life Gilbert led. On the back of the Order of Service photographs of him meeting some truly incredible people, including Joanna Lumley, the King and Queen, and also Emmanuel Macron, among other people, as well."
In a recent interview before his death, Clarke said he came to Britain out of a sense of duty to fight for King and country and to ensure the world was a better place for everyone. He lied about his age to join the RAF in his native Jamaica, then travelled to Britain on a troop ship via the US, serving as a mechanic and radar operator at British and American air bases. He fitted, serviced and repaired radar and other electronic equipment for frontline fighter planes, including Hurricanes and Spitfires.
Post-War Life
After the war, Clarke settled in Britain, becoming a father of eight, grandfather of 12, great-grandfather of 11, and great-great-grandfather of three. He lived with his eldest daughter, Norma, in Plaistow, east London. Wheelchair-bound in his later years, he regularly took trips organised by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, including pilgrimages to the D-Day beaches and annual seaside outings in Worthing, where he enjoyed ice cream and rum while reminiscing with wartime friends.
