244461 M/Sgt. Clement Marsh Royal Air Force from:Grand Falls, Nfld. Mater Sergeant Clem Marsh of the RAF was one of the first men to join the efforts in WW2, according to his wife, my grandmother, Ann Marsh, herself a warbride from Swansea, Wales. She was proud of her husband, and that he faced the war with bravery and humility.
Clem was the oldest child of Solomon and Louisa Marsh, of Grand Falls, NL. He was very smart, very charming and eager to do his part, as well as have an adventure and see the world. No doubt he saw more than he knew he would! He was stationed in or near Swansea in 1941-42 and there he met his future wife. They married on 13th of February 1943, and my mother was born that autumn. She was born in Exeter, in England, so Clem's squadron must have moved in that time.
Clem never spoke of the war, but took part in a lot of legion activities afterwards. No doubt that he saw and experienced many terrible things during his service, as he succumbed to alcoholism not long after his 60th birthday.
During his lifetime however, he was clearly proud to be a part of the generation that made it safe for us to enjoy freedom without fear. I wish I knew more about my grandfather's service, but I am grateful for all he gave and endured on my behalf.
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