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Dudley Clarke

1899 – 1974

British Second World War intelligence officer, and pioneer of strategic military deception tactics

Military officer
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About Dudley Clarke

Lived 1899 – 1974 (aged 75). Dudley Clarke was a British military officer.

Personal life Clarke is described as a charismatic, charming and theatrical character with a streak of creativity, a personality reflected in the escapades of his life and career. His self-deprecating humour and work ethic made Clarke a popular figure within the army, where he was considered to have odd "old world" habits and "an uncanny habit of suddenly appearing in a room without anyone having noticed him enter". Clarke was considered to possess an "original intellect", and to have odd habits, but was never seen as eccentric (a trait that was frowned on within the army establishment).

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Important facts

Born
27 April 1899, Johannesburg
Birth century
19th century
Died
7 May 1974, London
Occupation
Military officer
Nationality
United Kingdom, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
Education
Charterhouse School, No 1 School of Military Aeronautics
Awards
Commander of the Order of the British Empire; Companion of the Order of the Bath; Legionnaire of Legion of Merit; Legion of Merit; Mentioned in Despatches
Also known as
Dudley Wrangel Clarke

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Contemporaries

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Frequently asked questions

Who was Dudley Clarke?

British Second World War intelligence officer, and pioneer of strategic military deception tactics (1899–1974)

When was Dudley Clarke born?

Dudley Clarke was born on 27 April 1899 in Johannesburg.

When did Dudley Clarke die?

Dudley Clarke died on 7 May 1974 in London.

What was Dudley Clarke's occupation?

Dudley Clarke was a military officer.

What nationality was Dudley Clarke?

Dudley Clarke was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Dudley Clarke

· Wikidata: Q81899

· DBpedia: Dudley Clarke

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Dudley Clarke. https://biography.guide/dudley-clarke/

MLA: "Dudley Clarke." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/dudley-clarke/.

Chicago: "Dudley Clarke." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/dudley-clarke/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-25 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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