IAN CLARSON – RAF – 1945

Clarson entered Gosden in October 1932, and was transferred to the College in September 1934. He was in Handcroft Games House and Scout Troop; 1st XI football and cricket teams (captain). At athletics he shone as a sprinter, and in his last year at school he won both the 100 yards and 220 yards at the Athletic
Sports, breaking the School record for the 200 yards. He was also captain of his house at swimming.

He obtained his School Certificate in July 1940, and he was a Prefect. He left school at the end of the Christmas Term 1941 and obtained employment in the offices of Messrs Heinz & Co at Bristol.

On being called up, he was selected for a Royal Air Force University Short Course and entered Worcester College, Oxford, where he played football for his college and was selected for the Varsity XI versus the RAF.

He completed his training as a navigator; received his commission in the RAFVR; and was navigator of the plane in which he lost his life on a bombing mission over Germany on the night of 18th/19th July 1944. He did exceptionally well during his operational training and had been selected as a prospective “Pathfinder”.

At a memorial service held at St John’s Church, Clifton, the College was represented by Mr S C Gould of Bristol University, a former member of our staff.

(Extract from The Sower December 1945)