Stanley William Clark

This story is shared by the Trust with kind permission from John Hamblin, Researcher.

Stanley William Clark, Guardsman 2619320, 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards. Killed in action on the 22nd of July 1944, aged 24.

Stanley William Clark was born at Lingfield, Surrey on the 12th of May 1920, the youngest son of Edwin Clark, a bricklayer, and Lily Clark (née Warriner) of 6, Bakers Lane, Lingfield. He was christened at St Mary and St Nicholas’ Church, Lingfield on the 12th of September 1920. He was a member of the 1st Lingfield and Dormansland Scouts and when he left school he worked as a butcher.

On the 16th of June 1944, the 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards left their base in the south of England and travelled north to Tilbury. There they boarded the American Liberty Ships, SS Ocean Strength and SS Fort Tremblant and set sail for Normandy at noon on the 19th of June. On landing there they deployed in the fields and orchards to the east of Bayeux.

On the 19th of July 1944, the battalion took up positions around the village of Cagny where relieved the 5th Battalion, Coldstream Guards who were to attack the village the following morning. The 1st Battalion was due to have been relieved by a battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, but this did not take place due to a heavy rainstorm which disrupted transport and caused chaos on the roads. The men had to wait in flooded ditches and foxholes under mortar fire and occasional attack from enemy fighters. They were finally relieved on the 22nd of July 1944, the day that Stanley Clark was killed.

Stanley Clark is buried at Banneville-La-Campagne War Cemetery, Plot IV, Row F, Grave 15 and he is commemorated on the war memorial at Lingfield.

British Normandy Memorial - Additional Information

Unfortunately, we do not have a photo of Stanley Clark. If you are aware of one or you are related to Stanley we would love to hear from you so we can add to his story.