In Harton Cemetery is the Commonwealth Grave of 3rd Engineer Herbert Clark, serving on S.S. San Roberto with the Merchant Marine, who died 05/07/1941.

The son of Francis and Ann Clark, of South Shields and the husband of Hilda Clark (nee Heselton).

Herbert Clark, from South Shields, was awarded the Atlantic Star medal 67 years after his death in 1941. His ship, a tanker, the San Roberto, was hit in a bombing raid. Mr. Clark died two months later from angina, which was not at the time recognised as being a result of the bombing.

The Journal 03/01/2009 reports story of his nephew’s successful search for information and the award of the medal.

S.S. San Roberto, of 5,890 tons, was bombed by an aircraft on the night of 9/10th May 1941 22 miles E. x N. of Spurn Point.

British Vessels Lost at Sea 1939-45; Patrick Stephens Ltd.; Reprinted 1976; ISBN 0 85059 267 4

Herbert Clark is remembered at Westoe in W101.08 page 19 and in our List of Ships’ Crews.