Name
Joseph Clark
Circa 1896
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
05/09/1916
21
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
27453
Bedfordshire Regiment
2nd Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Not Yet Researched
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
GORRE BRITISH AND INDIAN CEMETERY
III. A. 3.
France
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
St Mary’s Church Memorial, Ware,
Christchurch Memorial, Ware,
Ware Town Memorial,
We are not aware of any memorial in Bakers End
Pre War
Joseph was born around 1896. His father was also Joseph (b c1869) and his grandparents were Joseph and Esther Clark, Herts. He was born in Ware.
In 1901 Joseph (father) was a widower with three children: Emily (9), Joseph (6) and William George at 7 months. They were living at 1 Flint Cottages, Ware. We have yet to identify his mother.
In 1911 the three siblings were living at 65 Flint Cottages, Ware. Then there is some confusing information; it would seem that their father died around the time of the census as he was listed there in the census, but is crossed out as head of household with annotation that appears to be "Dead", and Emily annotated with H (head). However, as can be seen in the pension and Effects records below, the awards were recorded had being made to his father, long after this entry, perhaps they were made to his grandfather(*1)?
Officially Joseph (soldier) was recorded as born in Ware and living there when he enlisted in Bedford.
Wartime Service
Enlisted at Bedford and was killed in action in France near Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée.
Additional Information
After his death £1 17s 3d pay owing was authorised to go to his father, Joseph, on 15 February 1917. Later, a war gratuity of £3 was authorised to be paid to him on 20 October 1919.
His pension cards record his father, also Joseph, as his next of dependant, living at 62 Bowling Road, Ware, Herts. He was awarded a pension of 4s a week from 19 June 1917 and then 5s from 6 November 1918. However as noted above he seems to have died in 1911.
*1 could the above payments have been to his grandfather, Joseph?
Acknowledgments
Malcolm Lennox, Ian Kelly
