Francis Charles Edward CLARKE

Francis Charles Edward CLARKE

Per his military service record (regimental no. 4746, Francis Charles Edward Clarke was born at Melbourne, Victoria[1]  He gave his age as 20 years and 9 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as engineering fitter. His description on his Certificate of Medical Examination was height 5 feet 10 inches tall, weight 125 lbs., with a fair complexion, hazel eyes, and brown hair.  His religious denomination was recorded as Baptist.  He claimed that he had 1 years previous military service in the Cadets (universal training).  He also stated that he had been previously rejected by the AIF due to deficient chest measurement.  A letter from his parents F. [Francis] Clarke and Emily B. Clarke dated 12^th November 1915 in his service record gave permission for their son to ‘join the forces for the front’.

He completed his medical examination on 11^th November 1915 at Parramatta, and was attested at Liverpool on the 15^th November 1915 (with the Oath to be taken by person being enlisted section dated from 11^th November 1915).  His Statement of Service in his service record dates from 11^th November 1915.

After completing the Coo-ee March he went to Liverpool Camp as reinforcement for the 13^th Battalion.

On his embarkation roll his address at time of enrolment was Harris Street, Harris Park, N.S.W., and his next of kin is listed as his father, E.[sic] Clarke, at the same address.  His “Date of joining” on his embarkation roll was 11^th November 1915 (the day the Coo-ees marched from Parramatta to Ashfield).

On 8^th March 1916, Private Clarke, along with many of the other Coo-ees, departed Sydney on the HMAT A15 Star of England.  He arrived in Egypt on the 11^th April 1916.

On 16^th April 1916 Private Clarke was transferred to the 4^th Pioneer Battalion at Tel El Kebir, Egypt.

On 4^th June 1916 Private Clarke left Alexandria aboard the transport Scotian bound for France.  He arrived at Marseilles on 11^th June 1916.

On 12^th May 1917 the 4^th Pioneer Battalion was training at St Gratien, France, where Private Clarke was promoted to Lance Corporal.

On 20^th May 1917 the 4^th Pioneer Battalion was resting at Vieux Berquin, France, where Lance Corporal Clarke was promoted to Corporal.

On 13^th July 1917 the 4^th Pioneer Battalion was constructing tramways in the vicinity of Messines, Belgium, when Corporal Clarke was admitted to the 13^th Australian Field Ambulance suffering from D.A.H. (Disordered Action of the Heart).  He was discharged from hospital to duty on 15^th July 1917.

Corporal Clarke rejoined the 4^th Pioneer Battalion on 16^th July 1917.  The next day he was admitted to the 4^th Australian Field Ambulance with D.A.H.  He was transferred to the 2nd Casualty Clearing Station on the 20^th of July 1917.  On the 21^st of July 1917 he was placed aboard the 27^th Ambulance Train and sent to Rouen, France, where he was admitted to the 5^th General Hospital the next day on 22^nd July 1917.  On 23^rd of July 1917 he was sent to the 2^nd Convalescent Depot.  On the 6^th of August 1917 he was sent to the 4^th Australian Division Base Depot at Le Harve, France.

On 15^th October 1917 Corporal Clarke was admitted to the 2^nd General Hospital at Le Havre suffering Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection).  He was discharged back to the 4^th Australian Division Base Depot on 21^st October 1917.

Corporal Clarke rejoined the 4^th Pioneer Battalion on 13^th November 1917 when it was conducting works in the vicinity of Ypres, Belgium.

On 20^th January 1918 Corporal Clarke was sent to Gas School.  He rejoined the 4^th Pioneer Battalion on 26^th January 1918 when it was conducting works in the vicinity of Godezonne, Belgium.

On 3^rd March 1918 Corporal Clarke went to Paris on leave.  He rejoined the 4^th Pioneer Battalion on 12^th March 1918 when it was conducting works in the vicinity of Vierstraat, Belgium.

On 14^th March 1918 Corporal Clarke was admitted to the 12^th Australian Field Ambulance suffering Scabies.  He rejoined the 4^th Pioneer Battalion on 23^rd March 1918 when it was conducting works in the vicinity of Messines, Belgium.

On 8^th October 1918 Corporal Clare went on leave to England.  He returned to the 4^th Pioneer Battalion on 25^th October 1918 when it was conducting training in the vicinity of Ailly-sur-Somme, France.

On 27^th December 1918 Corporal Clarke was detached for duty with the 353^rd Electrical and Mechanical Company.  He rejoined the 4^th Pioneer Battalion on 25^th January 1919.

On 27^th January 1919 Corporal Clarke marched out of the 4^th Pioneer Battalion to the Australian Base Depot at Le Harve to commence his return to Australia.

On 10^th February 1919 he departed Le Harve, France, bound for England.  He arrived at Weymouth and marched in to the 3^rd Training Brigade on 11^th February 1919.

Corporal Clarke commenced his return to Australia on 13^th April 1919 aboard the H.T. Commonwealth.

He arrived at Sydney in Australia on 12^th June 1919.

He was discharged Termination of Period of Enlistment on 27^th July 1919.

[1] NAA: B2455, CLARKE F C E