Clarence Victor Clarke

He died of heart failure and pneumonia “whilst on leave at his sister's residence” 16th February 1919. (service record) He is buried in Heanor Cemetery.He enlisted on 20th August 1914 [3] at Galt, Ontario and was posted to the Western Front with 1st Canadian Infantry Battalion“While at Givenchy on 18th April 1915 had frequent epileptic attacks. Hospital at Rouen one week, then Hutley Hospital. While there had five siezures [sic] on recovery. Had loss of power in legs. Had attacks since the age of nine with intervals of several months. General condition fair; is nervous and has attacks of dizziness and headaches. Legs still weak, with numbness of right foot. Right knee jerk is diminished. Left normal. No ankle clonus or Babinski on either side. Sensation somewhat diminished over outer side of right leg and foot. The weakness of leg is probably functional in character.” [5]He was discharged on 2nd October 1915 following a medical board held at Monks Horton, Hythe the previous day:“While in trenches had frequent epileptic attacks and was sent to Hospital at Rouen, these one week. Transferred to Netley Hospital and while there had 5 seizures with very short intervals. Was unconscious 1½ hours. When he recovered consciousmes [sic] would move legs but was unable to stand or support any weight with them. Feet were numb. Had attacks of dizziness and headaches. Has had epileptic attacks since the age of 9 but with intervals of several months.” [6]He returned to Canada but left for England again in 1918 and joined the Royal Naval Air Service. A side note within his service record states:“2nd Lt – RAF Re-enlisted R N A S – later RAF. Left Canada early in 1918. Died 16-2-19 (result of crash). [7] Sickness.” [8]3] There are a number of dates given for his attestation in August/September 1914.[5] Canadian army service record.[6] Ibid.[7] There is no mention of an accident in his R.A.F. service record nor a casualty card in the R.A.F. Museum database.[8] Canadian army service record.All above details are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918

Death notice published 17th February 1919 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “CLARKE. – February 16th, of pneumonia, Second-Lieut. Clarence Clarke, R.A.F., (Canadians), late Nottingham, aged 21. – Sorrowing sisters and brothers.” Notice courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918.