Name
Harry Albert Clarke (MM)
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
03/05/1917
27
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Sergeant
15703
Bedfordshire Regiment
7th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Military Medal
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
ARRAS MEMORIAL
BAY 5
France
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Hertingfordbury Village Memorial, Church of St Mary and St John Church Roll of Honour, Hertingfordbury, Hertford Town Memorial, Birch Green Village Memorial, Birch Green School Memorial, Birch Green, St Mary The Virgin Church Memorial Plaque, Stanstead St Margarets
Pre War
Born in 1890 in Hertingfordbury son of Frederick and Agnes (Bitten) Clarke of 6 Birch Green Hertford and baptised 13 Apr 1890. He had two sisters and six brothers. His father worked as a gardener. In 1911 was living and working as a gardener in Holwell House, Hatfield, Herts.
Wartime Service
Joined the 7th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. Awarded the MM in March 1917. His unit were involved the Third Battle of the Scarpe on May 3rd 1917 and an unsuccessful attack on Fontaine village. Enemy artillery caused a great many casualties as the Bedfords advanced until they reached uncut wire in front of German trenches. Most of them managed to retire to their own lines but some of No 1 company had to take cover on shell holes until late afternoon. 48 men were missing after the action, Harry being one of them. British casualties totalled 5900 in the one day,
Was in the trenches at Cherisy with his battalion at the Battle of Arras.
Additional Information
Brother of Francis Clarke died 6 May 1916 and probably the brother of Arthur John Clarke died 17 Feb 1917 also listed on these same memorials.
Acknowledgments
Malcolm Lennox, Terry Collins
