PRESENT and former servicemen throughout Swindon are mourning the death of a Malmesbury man who worked tirelessly on their behalf.

Ronald Clark MBE died of a heart attack at his home on Wednesday night.

The 77-year-old was the secretary of the Swindon branch of the SSAFA the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and their Families Association which looks after current and retired servicemen and their relatives.

His funeral is due to take place tomorrow at 2pm at the United Reform Church in Mal-mesbury.

Mr Clark was himself a former serviceman. During the Second World War he served on a Russian convoy in the Arctic and was responsible for tracking the infamous German battlecruiser the Scharnhorst.

After the war he went to work for E.K. Cole in Malmesbury now Lucent Technologies developing radar.

In 1950, Mr Clark moved to London to work for the Minis-try of Defence helping ex-servicemen back into civilian life.

It was when he returned to Malmesbury 13 years ago that he became involved with SSAFA, working as a care worker and as branch secretary until he died.

He was awarded the MBE for his services to the organisation.

Linda Warren, a fellow case worker, said: "Ronald was a lovely man who worked tirelessly for SSAFA. He was shy, unassuming and will be very much missed."

His brother Norman Clark, also from Malmesbury, said: "He was a caring and considerate man, always seeking ways to help those less fortunate than himself."

The family have requested that mourners do not pay tribute to Mr Clark with flowers but make a donation to the Malmesbury Hospital League of Friends.