Name for lost sailor

AUSTRALIA’S biggest naval mystery has been solved after the identity of the only sailor to be recovered from the country’s worst maritime disaster was finally confirmed after 80 years.

In a major breakthrough using DNA evidence, Able Seaman Thomas Welsby Clark has been named as the “Unknown Sailor” from Australian warship HMAS Sydney (II) which sunk off the West Australian coast on November 19, 1941, claiming the lives of all 645 men on board.

The 21-year-old accountant from Brisbane is believed to be the only sailor to have made it to a life raft after the ship went down following an intense battle with the disguised German merchant raider HSK Kormoran during WWII.

AB Clark later died at sea before his remains were found near Rocky Point on Christmas Island 11 weeks later – the only body to be recovered.

Over the past 15 years, DNA samples have been tested, before two living relatives were tracked down. His story and an important part of Australia’s history can now be told.

Born in New Farm on January 28, 1920 AB Clark was educated at Slade School in Warwick but spent time working on family properties and their Brisbane oyster leases.

Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mike Noonan said AB Clark was representative of the many young lives lost in the battle.

“Solving this World War II case involved specialists in DNA analysis, forensic pathology and dentistry, ballistics, anthropology, archaeology and naval history,” he said.

“His long voyage is complete, may he Rest in Peace.”

Next year, AB Clark’s grave in Geraldton War Cemetery will be marked by a new headstone which will bear his name.

Minister for Veterans Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said the discovery was a historic moment for Australia.

“To finally learn Tom’s name, rank, service number and home town, 80 years after he was lost is truly remarkable,” he said.