No.23174, Corporal, Frederick Thomas CLARK
Aged 20
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Frederick Thomas Clark was born in Cambridge on 23rd December 1896 (Cambridge Q1-1897 3B:484), baptised in Soham on 8th September 1905, son of John
and Georgeanna CLARK (née ISAACSON) of Gas Row, Soham.
1901 census...Aged 4, as Fred John, he was at 5 Smith Street, Balderston, Notts with his mother Georgina CLARKE [29] born Soham; twin sister Ada Eliza [4] born Cambridge; brother John William [1] born New Balderton and a visitor Emily SmALLEY [11] born Nottingham. 1911 census...Aged 14 a newsboy, he was at Waterside, Soham with his widowed mother; sister Adeliza; brothers John and Reginald [6] born Soham. His father possibly died in Soham in 1903. His father is a puzzle, not found in 1901 census and marriage detail not yet found. As ever, CLARK is variously with or with the 'E' ending. |
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He enlisted in Bedford, whilst resident in Soham. Early August 1917 the weather in Flanders was appalling and the 6th Bedfords were in camp at Kemmel. On the 6th they moved to the support area at Rossignol Wood and had 4 men killed. Local press report:- An official report has been received by Mrs Georgina Clark, who resides near the Gas House, to the effect that her eldest son - Corpl.Fred Clark, Beds. Regt., was killed in action on Aug.6th 1917. The late Corpl.Clark, who enlisted very soon after the outbreak of war, volunteered for active service at the front early the following year, where he has since been engaged in much of the sharp fighting recorded on the Western Front. He was only 20 years of age and leaves a widowed mother and a brother and sister to mourn their loss. Also a later report:- Mrs Georgina Clark, who resides near the Gas Works, has received a communication respecting the death of her son, Corpl.F.T.Clark, Beds.Regt.,which as already been reported in these column. The letter is from the Chaplain, who says: "I want to add just a line to send my deepest sympathy, and top tell you about his burial. He and an officer and three others were killed by a shell whilst on a working party in the line, and were buried in a cemetery in what is now the support line, near to where they fell. I was not there at the time, but went up later and consecrated the graves and said the burial service, with prayers for you and all others who have been bereaved of their loved ones in this terrible war. I always wish then writing to the many mothers who have lost their sons that I may be able to comfort and console them in their grief, but only God, who gave his Son to die for others can do that." The late Corpl Clark, who was killed in action on Aug.6th, enlisted very soon after the outbreak of war, and volunteered for active service at the front early the following year. He was only 20 years of age, and much sympathy is expressed towards his widowed mother, and his brother and sister.
photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
