en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_C._Clarke
2 corrections found
Battle of Britain
Clarke did serve in the RAF during World War II, but he did not serve in the Battle of Britain. That battle officially ran from July 10 to October 31, 1940, while Clarke’s RAF service began in 1941.
Full reasoning
This conflict listing is chronologically inconsistent with Arthur C. Clarke’s documented service.
- The Royal Air Force Museum states that the Battle of Britain is officially recognized in the UK as lasting from 10 July 1940 to 31 October 1940.
- The Arthur C. Clarke Foundation’s biography says Clarke joined the Royal Air Force and served from 1941 to 1946.
Because Clarke’s RAF service began after the Battle of Britain had already ended, he could not have personally served in that battle. He did serve in the RAF during World War II, but listing "Battle of Britain" under his conflicts is incorrect.
2 sources
- Introduction to the Phases of the Battle | RAF Museum
In the United Kingdom the Battle of Britain is recognised officially as having taken place between 10th July and 31st October 1940.
- Arthur C Clarke Biography | The Arthur C Clarke Foundation
After World War II erupted in 1939, Arthur Clarke joined the Royal Air Force and served as a radar instructor and technician from 1941 to 1946.
Flying officer
Clarke’s final RAF rank was flight lieutenant, not flying officer. Multiple biographies state he ultimately reached or was demobilized with the rank of flight lieutenant.
Full reasoning
The infobox rank is too low.
Authoritative biographical sources state that Arthur C. Clarke’s RAF service ended at the rank of flight lieutenant:
- The IEEE Computer Society’s Computer Pioneers biography lists his Royal Air Force experience as: "Instructor, No. 9 Radio School, then Flight Lieutenant".
- Computerworld's obituary likewise says: "He ultimately achieved the rank of flight lieutenant."
So while Clarke was at one point a flying officer, listing that as his rank is incorrect if the infobox is meant to show his highest/final RAF rank.
2 sources
- Computer Pioneers - Arthur C. Clarke | IEEE Computer Society History Committee
Professional Experience: Auditor, H.M. Exchequer and Audit Department, 1936-1941; Royal Air Force: Instructor, No. 9 Radio School, then Flight Lieutenant, Ground Controlled Approach Radar ... 1941-1946.
- Sci-Fi writer, inventor Arthur C. Clarke dies at 90 | Computerworld
Born in England in 1917, Clarke served in the Royal Air Force during World War II, working on radar defense systems. He ultimately achieved the rank of flight lieutenant.