Ross Clark was born on March 4, 1923, the son of William Ernest Edgerton Clark (born in Innisfill, Simcoe, Ontario) and Margaret Elizabeth Rhona (nee Gilbank) Clark, of 208 Arthur Street, Point Edward. Ross had three brothers: Wilbert Elmore (born 1910), Allen Ernest (born 1921), and Kenneth. He also had two sisters–Marjory Irene (born 1911) and Velma Clark. In 1934, when he was eleven years old, Ross would lose his father William Clark. Ross was a graduate from Sarnia Collegiate. After Ross, a bachelor, enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force in January of 1942, he received his training at Rockcliffe, Belleville and Malton. He would receive his wings at the Malton training centre of the R.C.A.F. on October 9, 1942, after which he visited his home in Sarnia on graduation furlough. In early November of 1942, Mrs. Margaret Clark of Sarnia would receive a cable from her son Ross announcing his arrival overseas. Ross would become a member of RCAF #425 Alouette Squadron “Je Te Plumerai” (I shall pluck you), attaining the rank of Flying Officer-Pilot.

Less than one year after his arrival overseas, on August 6, 1943, Ross Clark was part of a crew aboard Wellington aircraft HE261 that crashed into the sea off Cap Bon, near the harbour at Haquarhe, Tunisia. About one week later, his mother, Margaret, would receive word that her son, Pilot Officer Ross E. Clark was missing after active service overseas. No further details were received.

Perishing with Flying Officer-Pilot Ross Clark were Sgt. C.A. Reist; FS.T.J. Driscoll; P/O D.A. Wood; and Sgt. R.B. Perry (RAF). Ross Clark would later be officially listed as, Previously reported missing after air operations, now for official purposes, presumed dead, fell into the sea, presumed drowned (N. Africa). Twenty-year old Ross Clark has no known grave. His name is inscribed on the Malta Memorial, Malta, Panel 10, Column 1. His family also erected a memorial stone at Lakeview Cemetery, Sarnia, Section M. Ross Clark’s name is also inscribed on the Memorial in the Village of Point Edward.

SOURCES: C, D, E, F, G, L, M, N, 2C, 2D