James Clarke
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- Military History
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James Clarke was born in 1894 he was the son of William a farm labourer and Rachel Clarke née Champion, of Robin Hood Terrace, Fishpool, Mansfield. William was born in 1849 at Misterton, Rachel Champion was born in 1852 at Blidworth, they were married on 13th May 1872 their marriage was registered in the Gainsborough registration district, they went on to have 10 children, sadly 1 died in infancy or early childhood. In 1911 the family are living at Robin Hood Terrace, Fishpool, William 62 yrs is a farm labourer, he is living with his wife Rachel 59 yrs and their married son William 29 yrs a music hall artist and his wife Emily Lucy 23 yrs a music hall artist and their son Fred William 3 months of age.
Corporal James Clarke, enlisted at Blackpool he served with the 7th Battalion King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment), landing in France on 17th July 1915 he was killed in action on 25th September 1915. Buried in Le Touret Military Cemetery, Richebourg-L'Avoue, Pas de Calais, France, grave reference II.H.11
Article published 15th October 1915 in the Mansfield Reporter and Sutton Times :- “CORPORAL JAMES CLARKE. “Corporal Clarke, aged 21 years, whose death has been previously reported in our columns, was killed in action on Sept. 25th. His mother resides at Fishpool. “Private T. Bone, of the K.O.R.L. Regiment, writing to the deceased's man's mother, says death was instantaneous. He was buried in a small cemetery a short distance behind the trenches. He will be very much missed by all the boys in his platoon, as he was much liked. Everyone had a good word for him. Captain Kendall states that Clarke died as a man should — for his country. He is very much missed by all of us, as he was one of those upon whom one could always depend, in any difficulty, and when one of these good men go it is hard to replace them. I hope that the knowledge that both officers and men of his company offer you their sincerest sympathy, and share with you our common loss, will be some help to you in your sorrow.” Above article is courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918.
