World War 2, Middle East, WX3418 CLARK, 1942

Frederick John Clark (1898-1970) was a gifted medical practitioner whose periods of military service were brief interludes in a lifetime of service. In 1918 Frederick enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force and was medical officer (1925-28) with the 10th Light Horse Regiment. He joined the Australian Army Medical Corps Reserve and transferred to the A.I.F. on 8 July 1940. Promoted lieutenant colonel, he was posted as senior surgeon to the 2nd/7th Australian General Hospital in the Middle East where he designed special, stainless-steel equipment for a mobile surgical unit which operated close to the front line. Following his return to Western Australia in February 1943, he commanded the 118th A.G.H. at Northam and held the rank of temporary colonel. His appointment terminated on 31 July 1944 when he returned to civilian practice.