Arthur was an RAF pilot who gave his life in World War 2.
In January 1931, after the death of his father, Arthur William Clarke was accepted at the School, and during his seven years here, distinguished himself both as a scholar and an athlete. He was soon a House Captain and by 1937 Captain of the School. He left the School in March 1938, having been awarded the ‘John Rylands’ Gold Watch, and took up a post in the Meteorological Department in the Air Ministry.
In June 1939 he joined the RAF on a short service commission, becoming in April 1940 a Hurricane pilot with 504 Squadron, flying out of Hendon.
On 11 September 1940 at 4pm 20 year-old Arthur was shot down over the Kent coast by a Messerschmitt while attempting to attack a formation of 30 enemy bombers. He was listed as ‘missing’.
One of the Senior School Houses 'Clarke' is named in his honour.