Private John Carton Clarke
was born at Castlerock, Co. Londonderry on 2nd February 1897 to William Thomas Clarke, Grocer and Gemma Clarke nee Carton.
In 1901 John (4) was living in house 1, Castlerock, Freehall Watson Part of, Downhill, Co. Londonderry with his maternal grandparents, John & Drusilla Carton, his parents and his sister, Kathleen (6). A cousin, William Cooper was also present as were 5 others; John Beckett, Rachel Torbitt, Helen Campbell, Mary O'Brien and Francis McLaughlin.
By 1911, John was living in house 4.1, Castlerock Town, Downhill, Co. Londonderry with his parents and 3 siblings; Kathleen, Robert and Aileen. His grandfather, John Carton and a servant, Cassie McLaughlin are also present.
On ‘Ulster Day’, Saturday, 28th September 1912, John signed the Ulster Covenant at Articlave Orange Hall.
John Clarke joined Northern Bank in October 1914 and was posted to Carrickfergus as Junior.
In July 1916, John volunteered and enlisted into the 9th Bn. Royal Fusiliers as a Private with Service Number 23278.
John Clarke - Medal Index Card
His unit is also recorded as 26th Royal Fusiliers. This website Carrickfergus Roll of Honour records Clarke as being in 9th Battalion - Royal Fusiliers - City of London Regiment. This regiment was in the 18th (Eastern) Division involved in the attacks in October 1916 on the stubbornly defended and vital position of and around the Schwaben Redoubt. On 7th October there was a determined counter-attack by the Germans to recapture the Redoubt. It appears that Private Clarke was killed during this assault.
Clarke went missing on 7th October 1916.
John was awarded the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal.
He is remembered in name on the Thiepval Memorial Pier and Face 8C, 9A and 16A.
John Clarke - Ireland's Memorial
John Clarke - Medal Roll
A Pension Record card exists for John Clarke's next of kin, Mr Wm T Clarke. He was also allocated John's final pay and allowances totalling £6 18s paid out in 2 instalments.
John Clarke - Pension Record Card
John Clarke - Register of Soldiers' Effects
John's bank Staff Record card ends with the words 'missing believed killed 7th October 1916'.
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