Clark, Austin Thomas (Flight Lieutenant)

Took off from East Kirkby at 20:17 in Lancaster Mk I (Sqn code DX-L Bomber Command) on a Gardening operation in the Koningsberg (Russia) area.

Shot down by flak over Koningsberg 6 crew killed, i POW.

Killed: F/Lt Austin Thomas Clark DFC RCAF pilot J/86332 KIA Runnymede Memorial Panel 244. Pilot Officer Leonard Knut Johnson RCAF J/92014 KIA Runnymede Memorial Panel 250. Pilot Officer Harold William Lugg RCAF J/89269 KIA Runnymede Memorial Panel 251. Pilot Officer Robert Hudson McNabb RCAF J/89656 KIA Runnymede Memorial Panel 251. Sergeant Francis James Wilson RAF KIA Runnymede Memorial. Sergeant Henry Charles James Winslade RAF KIA Runnymede Memorial .

POWs: Sergeant Henri Soucis RAF POW Stalag Luft L7 Bankau near Kreuzberg Upper Silesia.

Distinguished Flying Cross - No.57 Squadron (deceased) - Award effective 25 August 1944 as per London Gazette dated 12 February 1946 and AFRO 322/46 dated 29 March 1946. Award sent by registered mail to next-of-kin by Governor General. The citation reads - "Flight Lieutenant Clark has taken part in many operational sorties which have included attacks against targets located in the most heavily defended areas in Germany and enemy occupied territory. On one occasion in July 1944, he was captain of an aircraft detailed to attack St.-Leu d'Esserent. When twenty-five miles from the target one engine of his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. Fire broke out but was extinguished and the target was successfully attacked. Shortly after leaving the target another engine became unserviceable. The aircraft was illuminated by searchlights and heavily attacked by enemy ground defenses. Largely owing to this officer's skillful handling it escaped further damage and although the hydraulic system was shot away a forced landing was safely accomplished at base. Flight Lieutenant Clark displayed cool courage and fortitude in continuing to his target in such hazardous circumstances. At all times his devotion to duty and determination have been worthy of the highest praise." Detail provided by H. Halliday, Orleans, Ontario.