Clarence Jenkinson Belfield

Rifleman Clarence Jenkinson Belfield attested on 24th November 1915 at Mansfield, he gave his age as 21 yrs and 139 days and his address as the Dog and Duck public house, Clipstone, he stated he was a farrier, he was posted to the 21st battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps. He landed in France on 5th May 1916 and having no known grave his name is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.

Pte Clarence Jenkinson Belfield, Retford Times 2nd November 1916. A CLIPSTONE HERO The first Clipstone lad to make the great sacrifice is private Clarence Jenkinson Belfield, fifth son of Mrs Belfield of the Dog and Duck Inn, Clipstone who was killed in action on 15th September, at the age of 25 years. Pte Belfield enlisted in the King's Royal Rifles at the end of November, 1915 and was drafted out to France, his death which was instantaneous, being caused by shell explosion. The news was first conveyed to his relatives by his chum Pte Gadsby and the official information was received from the War Office a few days later., containing the usual message of sympathy from the King and Queen. Deceased was held in the highest esteem throughout the village and universal regret was extended to his wife and mother when the sad news was received. A memorial service was held in the little village Iron Room on Sunday evening when the Vicar, the Rev E V Bond, made a touching reference to the good qualities of the deceased soldier. The following letters have been received from his officers and chum, which speak in high praise of the esteem in which the deceased was held amongst his officers and comrades a like. Second Lieutenant J M Cole wrote:- " No doubt by this time you have received an official information that your husband was killed in action on the 15th inst. Unfortunately his platoon commander was killed too, and I am writing to tender you my deepest sympathy in the loss you have sustained. Like so many others, he died for his country and the cause for which we are fighting. he was liked by all his comrades and they join me in this little note of sympathy. I pray that God will comfort you in your anxiety." C.Q.M.S Cook wrote:- " It is with very deep regret that I write these few lines to inform you of the death of your husband. he was killed instantaneously by a shell on the 15th, whilst doing his duty with the battalion.. previous to our moving up to take our position in readiness for the great push , he was selected for duty to attend to the pigeons carrying messages. At this time I thought he would be out of the danger zone for a time, and I was deeply grieved to hear that he had fallen. It will be some pleasure to know he was highly respected in the company and always found ready and willing to do anything asked of him. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your bereavement" Pte Gadsby wrote :- " I cannot tell much of your husband's death but that it was instantaneous and he would not be in any pain. he was killed near Devilles Wood on the 15th September, and there will be across erected over his grave., bearing his name and the date of his death. Your husband was one of my biggest friends, and was so well liked by every one in the company. I and all that is left in the company wish to share our deepest sympathy with you."