David Clayton was educated at The Leys School, Cambridge. During WWII, the boys were evacuated to Perthshire for the duration. There he began a love affair with the Scottish countryside. A romantic at heart, he was a keen reader with an ear for languages and a passion for cricket.

Inspired by his brother Tony an observer in the Fleet Air Arm, David joined Dartmouth as a Cadet in September 1947. He thrived in the training environment onboard the cruiser HMS Devonshire and fostered friendships that lasted his lifetime.

David went on to serve in HM Ships Implacable and Victorious; early on in his career, he also saw active duty in HMS Birmingham in the Korean War. Shoreside, David indulged his passion for cricket and represented Drake aka ‘the barracks’ in matches against ships and local teams. David’s language skills soon came to the attention of the RN. He was selected to join HQ Allied Forces Central Europe. An early NATO position, David became Head of Secretariat based in Fontainebleau, Paris – a popular posting for his young wife, Gwenda.

Another foreign appointment followed when he was seconded to the Royal Malayan Navy. His young family sailed out to join him in Singapore where he worked in support of the Commodore. David quickly became highly valued, particularly in respect of his knowledge of the law. On returning home, David was accepted for Barrister training at Middle Temple. He was called to the Bar in 1962.

After further appointments to HMS Ganges and career courses at Greenwich, David was promoted to Commander. He joined HMS Glamorgan as Supply Officer and in 1968 went west-about on a year long world tour. As the only Welsh speaker on board, David was kept busy with ship’s visits & dignitaries.

Mid-seventies saw David appointed Secretary to the Admiral of the First Flotilla. When Admiral Power moved from there to become Flag Officer Plymouth, he took David with him. His next appointment followed as Chief Naval Judge Advocate (CNJA) at RNC Greenwich when he was promoted to Captain. This is a role which he relished and at which he excelled that ultimately led to an unusual opportunity.

David was recommended to attend Brasenose College Oxford in order to study for an MLitt in International Maritime Law. The view was that this “ … unique qualification will enable him to influence national policy on Maritime Law on the one hand and the requirements of Naval Training in the subject on the other.”  In return for the opportunity to study, David published a thesis for the RN on International Maritime Law of the Sea. He became a valued advisor to the government of the day, particularly with regard to the legal maritime aspects of the Falklands War.

There followed an invitation to serve as a Crown Court Recorder (Judge) on the South East Circuit. David enjoyed the opportunities this gave him in the busy crown courts of Kent. In 1984 however, he retired proper and headed for the hills: to Barmouth, Wales ‘where the mountains meet the sea’. Here, David took up Ancient Greek gaining a Diploma in double quick-time. He took over Presidency of Literary & Debating Societies drawing in speakers from far and wide and setting the standard for public speaking. His Supply Officer training was seized on by local groups for whom he became Treasurer.

David was a thinking man’s Naval Officer. Wise, kind and loyal. He always said he had loved his time in the Royal Navy. David’s beloved wife, Gwenda pre-deceased him but he leaves a son and daughter.

Captain David Clayton MLitt Royal Navy passed away peacefully with his daughter and son-in-law by his side on 15 August 2025.