Cecil Vandepeer Clarke

Cecil Vandepeer "Nobby" Clarke MC (1897–1961) was an engineer, inventor and soldier who served in both World Wars. During World War I, he earned the Military Cross at the Battle of Vittorio Veneto. He is perhaps best known for his inventive work on special weapons and sabotage tools, notably contributing to the development of the limpet mine for the Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War II. During the Interwar period, he ran his own engineering firm in Bedford, the Low Loading Trailer Company, where he designed unconventional vehicles and trailers. During World War II, he held roles in training agents for sabotage operations, such as STS 17, the training school at Brickendonbury. He also designed weapons for SOE and Churchill's Toyshop, like spigot mortars and rocket-operated tank-bridges. After his military service he returned to civilian life, served in the Territorial Army, worked in local politics in Bedford, and engaged in peace initiatives including organizing the Bedford branch of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.