Goland Clarke

Goland Vanhalt Clarke CGM, DSO was a cavalry officer and a brigadier-general in the British Army, a big game hunter, naturalist and collector.

Early life
Clarke was born 25 November 1875 at Heywood Hall, Denstone, Staffordshire. He was educated at Winchester College and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. After graduation he initially joined the 4th (Royal Irish) Dragoon Guards, but on 13 January 1897 he transferred to the 18th (Princess of Wales's) Hussars as a second-lieutenant.

South Africa
Clarke was a lieutenant when to took part in his first military action during the Second Boer War. Where he was appointed to the Distinguished Service Order, "for good service in Bruce Hamilton's operations in Ermelo District".

Between wars
After the Boer War Clarke was promoted to captain on 28 September 1904. The same year as he became a member of the British Ornithologists' Union, their obituary on Clarke claimed he was "an exceptionally good field naturalist, and his knowledge of the breeding habits of European birds was extensive. He made collections in various parts of Europe and in Africa, and his name is commemorated by a species of Weaver named after him, Heterhyphankes golandi, the type of which is still unique". Clarke still a captain resigned his regular commission on 2 November 1907, but later joined the City of London Yeomanry (Rough Riders), part of the reserve Territorial Force, and was promoted to major on 4 July 1912.

First World War
At the start of the First World War Clarke was the commanding officer of the Rough Riders, which was part of the London Mounted Brigade. The brigade with the rest of the 2nd Mounted Division were sent to fight the Ottoman Empire in the Gallipoli Campaign. Notably during the battles for Sari Bair and Scimitar Hill.

When the British forces were withdrawn from Gallipoli, Clarke served in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign. Being promoted to brigadier-general and given commend of the 7th Mounted Brigade, later the 14th Cavalry Brigade.

Clarke died at Maudlyn House, Steyning, Sussex, on 27 August 1944. He is commemorated at the Highbrook War Memorial. A plaque to the north of the choir reads "Praemium Virtutis Honor Brig.Gen. Goland Vanholt Clarke CMG, DSO C.O. City of London Yeomanry 1915-17 C.O. 7th Mounted Brigade, 14th Cavalry Brigade 1917-19 Seventh son of Stephenson Clarke Born 25/11/1875 Died 27/8/1944 Maudlyn House Steyning".