World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Waterdown, Ontario, Canada, he served as a Corporal in the 2nd Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Forces, British Army. On September 9, 1916, near Pozieres, France, Corporal Clarke was assigned to clear the enemy on the left flank to allow his company to build a fortified secure position. When his section reached the trench, it was so heavily defended that they had to battle their way through and Clarke was the only man left standing, with the rest had either been killed or wounded. At that time, about 20 Germans counter-attacked. Corporal Clarke advanced, emptying his revolver into their ranks. He then picked up two enemy rifles, fired those and during attack was wounded by a bayonet, but pursued killing 19 and capturing one. A month later in actions at near Le Havre, France, he was fatally injured when the blast from a shell caused him to be buried in a trench. For most prestigious gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross in the spring of 1917.
Clarke was one of three winners of the Victoria Cross in the First World War whose homes were on Pine Street in Winnipeg. The other two were Robert Shankland (MEMORIAL #7724027) and Frederick Hall (MEMORIAL #8043085). Pine Street has since been renamed Valour Road in honour of the three men, and reflecting the inscription on the Victoria Cross, "For Valour".
Clarke was one of three winners of the Victoria Cross in the First World War whose homes were on Pine Street in Winnipeg. The other two were Robert Shankland (MEMORIAL #7724027) and Frederick Hall (MEMORIAL #8043085). Pine Street has since been renamed Valour Road in honour of the three men, and reflecting the inscription on the Victoria Cross, "For Valour".
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Waterdown, Ontario, Canada, he served as a Corporal in the 2nd Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Forces, British Army. On September 9, 1916, near Pozieres, France, Corporal Clarke was assigned to clear the enemy on the left flank to allow his company to build a fortified secure position. When his section reached the trench, it was so heavily defended that they had to battle their way through and Clarke was the only man left standing, with the rest had either been killed or wounded. At that time, about 20 Germans counter-attacked. Corporal Clarke advanced, emptying his revolver into their ranks. He then picked up two enemy rifles, fired those and during attack was wounded by a bayonet, but pursued killing 19 and capturing one. A month later in actions at near Le Havre, France, he was fatally injured when the blast from a shell caused him to be buried in a trench. For most prestigious gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross in the spring of 1917.
Clarke was one of three winners of the Victoria Cross in the First World War whose homes were on Pine Street in Winnipeg. The other two were Robert Shankland (MEMORIAL #7724027) and Frederick Hall (MEMORIAL #8043085). Pine Street has since been renamed Valour Road in honour of the three men, and reflecting the inscription on the Victoria Cross, "For Valour".
Clarke was one of three winners of the Victoria Cross in the First World War whose homes were on Pine Street in Winnipeg. The other two were Robert Shankland (MEMORIAL #7724027) and Frederick Hall (MEMORIAL #8043085). Pine Street has since been renamed Valour Road in honour of the three men, and reflecting the inscription on the Victoria Cross, "For Valour".
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Inscription
72132
AND SO SHALL WE EVER BE WITH THE LORD 1 THESS. CHAPT. 4 17
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See more Clarke memorials in:
Records on Ancestry
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