Phillip Clancey


Phillip Alexander Clancey was a leading authority on the ornithology of South Africa.

Background and education

Phillip Clancey was born, brought up and educated in Glasgow, Scotland. He studied at the Glasgow School of Art where his artistic skills were developed.

Military service

Clancey served in the 51st Division with the Allied forces in Sicily and Italy during World War II, narrowly escaping death and being deafened in one ear by an artillery explosion.
Following his death in 2001, Clancey's military medals, together with his "Gill Memorial Medal" were auctioned by City Coins, Cape Town, in 2006, on behalf of the Clancey Estate. These medals, including the Gill Memorial Medal were purchased on the auction by David R. Bennett - Chairman of the Durban Natural Science Museum Trust, and the medals now form part of the Bennett Military Medal Collection.
Clancey's group of six military medals are to 913613 Gunner P.A. Clancey, Royal Artillery: 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; 1939-45 Defence Medal; 1939-45 War Medal; Efficiency Medal, Territorial and the Coronation Medal, 1953,.

Expeditions

In 1948–1949, he accompanied Colonel Richard Meinertzhagen on an ornithological expedition to Yemen, Aden, Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and South Africa.

Museum posts

Clancey emigrated to South Africa in August 1950 to take up the post of Curator of the Natal Museum in Pietermaritzburg.
He was Director of the Durban Museum and Art Gallery from 1 January 1952 until his retirement on 25 September 1982.
Clancey also served as President of the Southern African Museums Association, President of the Southern African Ornithological Society and President of the Natal Bird Club.

Books

Clancey wrote extensively about the taxonomy of African birds, naming some two-hundred subspecies of Southern African birds.
2 Rev Ed edition
Other publications number approximately 600.

Awards and honours

Phillip Clancey continued as a Research Associate of the Durban Museum and Art Gallery until his death in 2001, aged 83.