Sergeant William Robinson Clarke (October 4 1895-April 26 1981)

Was a Jamaican World War I airman who was the first black pilot to fly for Britain.He was born in Kingston Jamaica,son of Eugenia Clarke.William 
became a mechanic,and was of the first individuals in Jamaica to learn to drive.On the outbreak of  war in 1914 William,aged,19 travelled to England at his own cost.He joined the Royal Flying Corps on July 26 1915.He served as a mechanic and then as a driver for an observation balloon company.

In December 1916 he began pilot training,gaining his wings on April 26 1917.He was posted to No.4 Squadron RFC  at Abeele on May 27,flying R.E.8 
biplanes over the Western Front.In common with many pilots of the era his operational service was brief.On the morning of July 28 1917,on a reconnaissance mission over Ypres,five miles on the German side of  the lines,
William and his observer,Second Lieutenant F.P. Blencowe,were attacked by German scouts.William was serious wounded and lost consciousness.The observer brought the aeroplane back to the British lines on making a forced landing near Godewaersvelde.

In a letter to his mama, William wrote: "I was doing some photographs a few miles the other side when about five huns scouts came down upon me,and before I could get away,I got a bullet through the spine.managed to pilot the machine nearly back to the aerodrome,but had to put her down as I was too weak to fly any more... he was honourably discharged in 1919,receiving the 
Silver Star Badge.

After recovering from his wounds William returned to Jamaica.He was later active in the building trade.He was active in veterans affairs and was life president of the Jamaican branch of the Royal Air Forces Association.