William Robinson Clarke, affectionately known as “Robbie,” was a trailblazer and the first and only Black pilot to fly for Britain during World War I. Born on 4 October 1895 in Kingston, Jamaica, Clarke grew up in what was then a British colony. His early years were marked by an impressive education and training as a mechanic, which led him to become one of the first people in Jamaica to drive a car. This passion for machinery and adventure would ultimately set him on a path that made history.
When World War I broke out in 1914, Clarke, like many young men of his time, was eager to contribute to the war effort. At just 19 years old, he made the bold decision to travel to Britain, paying his own passage of £150 to enlist in the Royal Flying Corps (RFC)—the precursor to the Royal Air Force. Joining the RFC on 26 July 1915, Clarke initially served as an air mechanic and then as a driver for an observation balloon company in France.
Despite being in the thick of action, Clarke’s true ambition was to become a pilot. At that time, the British Armed Forces maintained a strict colour bar, restricting the enlistment of Afro-Caribbean and Asian volunteers. However, as casualties mounted and the need for more personnel grew, these regulations were relaxed. Clarke’s perseverance paid off in December 1916 when he was accepted for pilot training in England.
Clarke earned his wings on 26 April 1917 and was promoted to Sergeant. He was posted to No. 4 Squadron RFC in Abeele, Belgium, in May 1917, where he flew RE8 biplanes along the Western Front, primarily performing artillery observation and reconnaissance missions. His role was vital in supporting Allied ground forces and gathering intelligence on enemy positions.
On the morning of 28 July 1917, during a reconnaissance mission over Ypres, Clarke and his observer, Second Lieutenant F. P. Blencowe, were ambushed by five German fighter planes. Clarke recounted the harrowing experience in a letter to his mother:
“I was doing some photographs a few miles the other side when about five Hun scouts came down upon me, and before I could get away, I got a bullet through the spine. I managed to pilot the machine nearly back to the aerodrome, but had to put her down as I was too weak to fly any more … My observer escaped without any injury.”
Despite his severe injuries, Clarke managed to crash-land his aircraft behind Allied lines. His remarkable bravery and skill as a pilot saved both his and his observer’s lives. Clarke was later awarded the Silver War Badge, which was given to soldiers honourably released from service due to wounds or sickness.
Clarke’s injuries prevented him from continuing as a pilot, but he remained active in the war effort, serving as a mechanic with the No. 254 Squadron in England until his discharge in 1919. Returning to Jamaica, Clarke established a successful career in the building trades and remained deeply involved in veteran affairs, eventually becoming Life President of the Jamaican branch of the Royal Air Forces Association.
William Robinson Clarke passed away in April 1981 at the age of 85. He was laid to rest with full honours at the Military Cemetery at Up Park Camp in Kingston, Jamaica. Clarke’s contributions during World War I not only made him a war hero but also paved the way for future generations of Black and minority ethnic service members in the British Armed Forces.
Clarke’s story is a testament to courage and resilience, breaking barriers at a time when the odds were stacked against him. His legacy continues to inspire and serve as a reminder of the significant role Black soldiers played in shaping history.
