Trafford

Born on the 1st July 1896, the birth being registered during the September
quarter 1896 in the Northwich R.D. - ref: 8a/91, the son of Samuel & Louisa
Clarke (nee Parry).

His father - Samuel Clarke a Plate Layer on the railways, died in 1900,
aged: 54.

1901 Census - Warrington Road, Cuddington, Northwich, Cheshire.   Son -
aged: 4 - born: Cuddington, Cheshire.   Head  of household - Louisa Clarke
- Widow - aged: 45 - born: Thenthams, Staffordshire.  Plus 7 siblings,
including his elder brother - Charles Clarke who was also killed during
WW1.

1911 Census - 96 Harley Road, Sale.   on - aged: 14 - occ: Errand Boy -
born: Cuddington, Cheshire.   Head  of household - Louisa Clarke - Widow -
aged: 56 - born: Thenthams, Staffordshire.   Plus 4 siblings, including his
elder brother - Charles Clarke who was also killed during WW1.

Employed by Messrs. Kearns Ltd, Broadheath.

According to Don Rustage - he was employed as a painter by Mr. Williams,
Ashley Road, Hale and enlisted on the 31st August 1914.

WO 363 - Enlisted into the 5th Battalion, Cheshire Rgt at Hale on the 31st
July 1914.  He was aged: 19 years, 1 month.  He was 5 feet 2 1/2 inches in
height and had 'Sound' phyisical development.   Born in the St. Margaret's
Parish, Altrincham (???).   Employed as a Painter by Mr. Weetman,
Decorators, Ashley Road, Hale.  He was residing at 100 Moss Lane, Hale.

Pioneers.   First entered France in 1916.

From Souastre, took part in attack on Gommecourt 01/07 (203 casualties). 
Bn remained working in the area until moved to Doulens 20/08.

Killed on his 20th birthday.  2nd Lt. T.M. Foulkes, wrote home stating that
Private Clarke had volunteered to act as a stretcher bearer and was killed
instantly by a shell.

Death reported in the 11/07/1916 edition of the Altrincham Guardian.   Also
reported in the 14/07/1916 edition.

One of four brothers serving.

Listed in the Guardian Year Book - Roll of Honour for 1917.