William Alexander Sydney Clarke was born at Preston on the Hill on 27th September 1919. He was the son of James Alexander Clarke, who had been born in Glasgow, and his wife Hilda Mary (nee Lightfoot) who was born at Newton by Daresbury.
The 1921 Census recorded the parents and their son as living with Hilda’s parents in Preston Brook. James was employed as a watchman and timekeeper for the Australian Alum Co. Ltd, a chemical manufacturer in Runcorn.
After leaving school, William worked as a builder’s labourer and the 1939 Register recorded the Clarke family living at Canalside in Preston Brook. The parents also now had another son called Douglas Goodwin, born in 1925 and a daughter called Margaret born in 1921. Sadly, their mother Hilda had died in 1938. Their father was employed as a county council roadman.
During World War Two William served as a Driver in the Royal Engineers, with the service number 1901360. He was awarded the 1939-45 Star, the Africa Star, the Italy Star and the Defence Medal and the War Medal for his war service.
He appeared on the Service Register for Preston Brook in October 1945, citing his address as 19, Canalside.
After the war, in early 1946, William married Florence M Jones at Runcorn.
He appeared in an article in the Warrington Guardian in June 1946 about Victory Celebrations in Preston Brook.
William Alexander Sydney Clarke passed away on 25th May 1986 whilst living at Sutton Weaver.
