In January 1913 Clarence set sail for St. John, Nebraska

The Brecon Radnor Express - 11th July 1918

We very much regret to announce that, on June 5th, Mr and Mrs Hamar, of Hill Crest, Knighton, Radnorshire, received the sad news, that their youngest son, Clarence Richard Hamar (who emigrated to Canada in March, 1913) formerly connected with the Detroit Office of Bonbright & Co., investment bankers, died on June 4th at the Canadian Aviation Training Camp, Beamsville, Ontario, of injuries sustained in an aeroplane accident. It appears that he and his pilot went on a practice flight, Cadet Hamar being engaged on gunnery practice. While they were doing "stunts" it seems the machine nose dived and crashed to the ground, and Cadet Hamar sustained serious injuries, which rendered him unconscious. He died the following morning at 10am - never having regained consciousness. His pilot was also seriously injured, but it is hoped he may live.

A letter has been received from the Captain of the School of Aerial Gunnery (where Cadet Hamar was stationed) to the following effect :—

"I regret to inform you that your son, Cadet C. R. Hamar, died on June 4th, as the result of injuries sustained in an aeroplane accident on June 3rd. His loss is keenly regretted, not only by his fellow-pupils, but by the officers of the school. Had this unfortunate accident not occurred, he would by this time have been commissioned, and would have commenced a very promising career as an officer. He had, a few days before, been selected as a promising pilot of a type which we wished to obtain for instructors. Had he lived, he would not only have been a. successful pilot, but an efficient and reliable officer. Please accept this expression of sympathy from myself and the entire staff of the school."

A letter has been received from Mr Vaughan-Clarke, Mr Hamar's great friend, an extract from which reads as follows :—

"The funeral was a full military one, and was very beautiful and impressive. The Church of England service was conducted in St. Alban's Church Beamsville, Ontario, at 3.30 p.m. on Thursday, June 6th. The Rev. Randolph F. Nie officiated. The music, consisting of full choir and organ, was very beautiful. The church services were attended by a firing squad of 20 men, a band of 26 pieces, 10 pall bearers, about 50 cadets and officers, and a number of friends from Toronto, Grimsby and Beamsville. The little church was almost packed. After the service, the funeral procession marched to Mt. Osborne Cemetery, in which the Government has a plot, the line of march being about a mile-and-a-half.

            The procession was as follows :—The firing squad of 20 men with officers, a band of 26 pieces, a Government car with minister officiating, a car with 10 pall bearers drawing trailer with casket, draped with the Canadian flag and flowers, followed by the officer in charge and myself on foot. Following us were about 50 cadets and officers in march formation, followed by Mr Hamar's numerous friends in cars. Nearly a thousand people attended the service at the Cemetery. As the casket was lowered the minister read the service and the firing squad fired three volleys over the grave, completing the ceremony. A marble headstone has been erected with the following inscription :—'Cadet Clarence Richard Hamar, Hill Crest, Knighton, Radnorshire, Wales, killed June 4th, 1918, on active service, Royal Air Force.'