Frederick Clarke
A Private with the 18th Battalion, Fred died on 24th of September 1918 at the aged 40.
Frederick, often known as Fred, was born at Lowestoft on 3 July 1878, a son of Charles and Charlotte (Lottie) Clarke. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 6 October 1878. In 1881 his family lived at 22 Saint Peter’s Street and in 1891 they lived at 309 Raglan Street, and in 1901 at 7 Jacob’s Street, and Fred was a housepainter.
In 1901 he married Matilda Maud Garner: this was registered in the Mutford district. By 1911 they were living at Primitive Methodist Cottages, Saint Peter’s Street. In 1912 they lived at number 3 and later at number 2.
Fred enlisted in the Army at Bury St. Edmunds. He joined the Middlesex Regiment and was posted to France to served with the 16th Battalion. Fred was serving with D Company when he was wounded at Arras on 30 May 1917, receiving a gunshot wound to his left arm. He was treated at 19 Casualty Clearing Station before, on 1 June, being admitted to 18 General Hospital. On 6 June he was discharged to 6 Convalescence Depot. It is not clear when Fred joined the 18th Battalion: this may have been once he had recovered from his wound or in February 1918 when the 16th Battalion was disbanded.
On 24 September 1918 the 18th Battalion were at Heudicourt. In the morning, they were subject to hostile enemy shelling, both high explosive and gas. During the day Fred was killed in action.
Frederick Clarke
2 Primitive Methodist Buildings
St Peters Street
Lowestoft
United Kingdom
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