Clarke, Lindsay Arthur (Bonnie) (Gunner, b.1918 - d.1943)

Related to the Second World War service of QX15591 Gunner Lindsay Arthur (Bonnie) Clarke 2/10 Field Regiment and POW. Handwritten original letter written from Malaya by Gunner Bonnie to his nephew Leslie William (Les) Coppin, dated 9/10/1941. He talks about the heat being worse than Cairns; the terrific storms and lightning; playing cricket with a bowling average of 12 for 70; the voyage over with leave in Perth; rubber trees everywhere; meeting the Sultan of Johore; future leave in Singapore; good company; receiving mail fairly regualry; and mention of Barney Young transferring from Tobruk. Two pages. Les Coppin was 14 years old when he received this letter from his uncle. This was the only letter he received from him, as his uncle became a POW in February 1942, and then tragically died in 1943. This letter became the cherished possession of Les.

Lindsay Arthur (Bonnie) Clarke was born in Bangalow, New South Wales, on 20 December 1918. He was working as a labourer in a butter factory, when he enlisted in Cairns in May 1941.
Following initial training, Clarke embarked at Sydney on Troopship MHT 'JJ' on 19 September 1941. He disembarked in Singapore the following month on 5 October, and transferred the same day to Johore. Clarke then marched in to 2/10 Field Regiment on 28 November. The Regiment was part of the 8th Division and was one of three artillery units. On 18 December Clarke was transferred to hospital, 13 AGH, suffering from malaria. He was released from hospital on 24 January 1942 and returned to his unit.
In late January the Regiment was stationed at Mersing Malaya and had begun fighting the Japanese invading forces on January 21. From 26-27 January, the Regiment provided artillery support for the 22nd Brigade's successful ambush in the Nithsdale Estate. The Regiment then withdrew to Singapore Island, and this was completed on the night of 30 January. They were positioned in the north west corner of the Island and provided firepower during the battle for Singapore beginning on 2 February. Finally, when all troops withdrew to the city perimeters, the regiment was still providing firepower until 10.30pm on 14 February.
On the 15 February 1942, following the surrender, Clarke became a POW. He was assigned to 'A' Force and was reported to have embarked from Singapore for Thailand in May. Members of this force were assigned work on the horrific Burma Thai Railway project. Clarke died of illness in Thailand on 24 July 1943.