CLARKE, Domara Andrews Heap, DSC (1921-1981)
Born on 13 July 1921 at Toorak, the son of Frank Leslie Clarke and Evelyn, nee Andrews, of Robinson River, Papua New Guinea, he was enrolled at Geelong College from 15 February 1929 to December 1934.
He enlisted in the prewar Royal Australian Navy (RAN) on 29 January 1935, rising to the rank of Commodore at the time of his discharge on 16 February 1976. Pegasus of June 1939 noted: ‘Midshipman D H A Clarke (1934), having completed his training at Flinders Naval Base, recently sailed for England and will shortly join one of the ships of the Mediterranean Fleet.’
His engagement to Nancy Arnold, of Kalk Bay, South Africa, was announced in Pegasus of June 1943.
He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross on 23 March 1954 for service on HMAS Culgoa in Korean waters. His ship was in the area from 14 March until 27 November 1953.
Ad Astra of August 1968 noted. 'D A H 'Tommy' Clarke (1935), Captain RAN, is Captain of HMAS Sydney'
He voyaged to Vietnam in HMAS Sydney eight times. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs lists him with Vietnam Service (No. 0204) as a Captain with the Royal Australian Navy on HMAS Sydney. Details of this service are:
‘HMAS Sydney 17/01/1968 16/02/1968
HMAS Sydney 27/03/1968 26/04/1968
HMAS Sydney 21/05/1968 13/06/1968
HMAS Sydney 13/11/1968 28/11/1968
HMAS Sydney 08/02/1969 25/02/1969
HMAS Sydney 08/05/1969 30/05/1969
HMAS Sydney 17/11/1969 05/12/1969
HMAS Sydney 16/02/1970 05/03/1970
He died while visiting New York, USA in May 1981.
Sources: Pegasus June 1939; Pegasus June 1943; Ad Astra August 1968; Department of Veterans’ Affairs (Nominal Roll); ‘Geelong Collegians at the Second World War and Subsequent Conflists’ compiled by J. Affleck p563 (citing The Pegasus; Australian War Memorial; National Archive).