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Williams Robinson Clarke was a famous World War 1 airman and was the first Black pilot to fly for the United Kingdom.

Clarke was born in Kingston, Jamaica on October 4, 1895. He became a mechanic and was one of the first individuals in Jamaica too learn to drive.

When the war broke out in 1914, Clarke travelled to England at the age of 19 and joined the Royal Flying Corps. He initially served as a mechanic, then a driver, before starting pilot training in 1916.

A few months into flying , he was attacked and became seriously wounded, resulting in him returning to mechanic duties. Sergeant Clarke was honourably discharged in 1919 and was awarded the Silver War badge.