Tribute to WWII veteran Gilbert Clarke by Colin Mills

It was a tremendous honour to represent the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans at the funeral of one of our nation's remarkable Second World War veterans, Gilbert Clarke.

Gilbert Constantine Clarke lied about his age, joining the RAF aged 16 in his native Jamaica, before being sent to Britain on a troop ship via the United States, where he proudly served as a mechanic and radar operator. Stationed at British and American air bases he fitted, serviced and repaired radar and other electronic equipment for frontline fighter planes, including Hurricanes and Spitfires.

Attending his funeral service was about far more than saying goodbye. It was about standing alongside the family and friends of a man who dedicated his life to serving his country and ensuring that future generations understood the sacrifices made by his generation.

At the Taxi Charity, we have always believed that our support for veterans extends well beyond the trips and events we organise. We build lasting friendships with the men and women we are privileged to know, and we are there for them and their families through both the happy occasions and the difficult moments.

Being invited to attend the funeral was a privilege that we did not take lightly. It gave us the opportunity to pay our own respects while also supporting the family at what was an incredibly emotional time. Seeing so many people gathered to honour such an extraordinary life was a fitting tribute to a true member of the Greatest Generation.

Every veteran leaves behind a legacy that deserves to be remembered. Their courage secured the freedoms we enjoy today, and it is our responsibility to ensure their stories continue to be told.

On behalf of everyone at the Taxi Charity, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family. It was an honour to stand with you, to celebrate a life of service, and to remember a man whose contribution to our country will never be forgotten.

As a charity run by London cab drivers, we are immensely proud to support our veterans not only during commemorations and celebrations but also at moments like these, when friendship, respect and remembrance matter most. We will continue to honour those who served and ensure their legacy lives on for generations to come.

Colin Mills

Chairman

Taxi Charity for Military Veterans

Photos 2 and 3 courtesy of Arjan Vrieze and Paul Chambers, respectively

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Colin Mills told the Daily Express: “Gilbert represented the very best of his generation - courageous, humble and devoted to his country during one of the darkest periods in our history. It was an honour for our charity and our volunteer London cab drivers to spend time with Gilbert over the years at commemorations, social events and trips where his warmth, humour and remarkable stories touched so many people. Veterans like Gilbert are at the heart of everything the Taxi Charity stands for, and we will forever be grateful for his service and sacrifice.

I personally felt it was a real privilege to be Gilbert’s driver on his last trip abroad with the West Indian Regiment to Ypres - a journey I will never forget and one that meant so much to all involved.

As the number of WWII veterans sadly continues to diminish, it becomes ever more important that we preserve their memories and ensure future generations understand the freedoms they fought so hard to protect.

Gilbert’s legacy will live on through the lives he inspired and the friendships he made within the Taxi Charity family.

Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Gilbert’s family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. Stand easy Gilbert, your duty is done.”