8337, Private, William Henry CLARK
Aged 39
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This casualty is recorded by "Soldiers Died" as living in Newmarket, born in Whitby. CWGC record him as "Son of Robert and Maria Clarke; husband of E. J. Clarke, of 2, Lynton Cottages, Park Avenue, Newmarket" and gives his age as 39 at
death.
Identity confirmed by his grand-daughter who assisted in compiling this information. As ever there are apparent discrepancies as to age. Age seemed to matter little to many folk those days. 1891 census… Possibly William H CLARKE [7] born Whitby, son of Robert CLARKE [47] Inn Keeper born Chelmsford,and Marian CLARKE [48] born Sheffield, living at Station Road, Heanor, Derbyshire with his parents and sister Annie [10] born Filey, Yorks. 1901 census...There was a Willie H CLARKE at William Waugh's stables, Falmouth Cottage, Snailwell Road, Newmarket but his age is given as 19. 1911 census...No William CLARK fitting any necessary facts has been identified in this census. Willie H CLARK married Elizabeth Jane NICHOLLS in Newmarket Q2-1911. The marriage certificate gave his address at the time as St Leger Cottage, Kingsclere, Hampshire, another horse racing centre.(and where his daughter was born in 1912) The Army Veterinary Corps did not receive the Royal prefix until 27th November 1918. William enlisted in Newmarket. SE enlistments usually did a minimum of training, basically a couple of weeks to learn the 'army way'. They were not expected to serve in the front line and did little infantry training. Etaples was a large base hospital area but was also base depot for the Army Veterinary Corps so it is not certain if William died of wounds or illness |
Willie with wife Elizabeth, son George and daughter Florence
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