Nicholas John Clerke
Nicholas John Clerke (c1912-1940)
1946 Obituary [1]
NICHOLAS JOHN CLERKE B.A., was educated at Wellington College and at Cambridge University, where he graduated with honours in the Mechanical Sciences Tripos in 1933. He served his apprenticeship for two brief periods during his vacations, and after leaving Cambridge continued his practical training at the Motoren Werke, Mannheim A.G.. He received his first appointment from Imperial Chemical Industries, Ltd., and was employed by that firm as maintenance engineer in charge of coke ovens, the battery of which comprised a total of 64.
After some experience in engineering research he was concerned with the firm's coal oil plant, subsequently becoming refinery maintenance engineer, and as such was responsible for the upkeep and development of three distillation units. In 1938 he was gazetted 2nd lieutenant in the Royal Artillery (T.A.), and was attached to the 64th A.A. Brigade, subsequently proceeding overseas with the British Expeditionary Force.
His death in action at Dunkirk in 1940 terminated a promising career at the early age of twenty-eight. Mr. Clerke was elected a Graduate of the Institution in 1935 and was transferred to Associate Membership in 1939.