Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke

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Sir Percy Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke KBE, CMG, MC, MD, FRCP, DPH, DTM&H, CStJ Barrister at Law; (1893–1976). Director of Medical Services, Hong Kong, 1937–1943, and Governor of the Seychelles, 1947–1951.

[edit] Biography

Born in North Finchley in December 1893 as Percy Selwyn Clarke. Educated at Bedales. Joined St Bartholomew's Hospital Medical School in 1912 and qualified in 1916. Served as medical officer with two different units in France, during the First World War, was wounded twice and was awarded the Military Cross in 1918. Entered the Colonial Medical Service and was posted to the Gold Coast in 1919.

Married Hilda Browning, in 1935. A daughter, Mary, born in 1936. Transferred to Hong Kong as Director of Medical Services, 1937–1943. Kept in solitary confinement and tortured for many months by the invading Japanese Army. Sentenced to death but later reprieved.

Subsequently, transferred to the Seychelles as Governor. In 1951 returned to London. For five years, until retirement, resumed career at the Ministry of Health. Later on, worked on welfare of prisoners. In 1973 wrote a book Footprints. Died in Hampstead on 13 March 1976, leaving his body to St Bartholomew's Hospital for research.