Martin Clemens | |
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![]() Martin Clemens and his Solomon scouts. | |
Born | Aberdeen, Scotland | 17 April 1915
Died | 31 May 2009 | (aged 94)
Allegiance | ![]() |
Service/ | British Solomon Islands Protectorate Defence Force |
Years of service | 1941–1945 |
Rank | Major |
Battles/wars | Second World War |
Awards | Commander of the Order of the British Empire Member of the Order of Australia Military Cross Legion of Merit (United States) |
Major Warren Frederick Martin Clemens CBE, AM, MC (17 April 1915 – 31 May 2009) was a Scottish colonial administrator and military officer. In late 1941 and early 1942, while serving as a District Officer in the Solomon Islands, he helped prepare the area for eventual resistance to Japanese occupation. His additional duties as a coastwatcher alerted the Allies to Japanese plans to build an airstrip on Guadalcanal. This resulted in Allied carrier raids and eventually a landing by United States forces and the beginning of the epic struggle in the Solomons. Clemens then directly served the U.S. Marines in coordinating intelligence on Japanese activities.