South Warwickshire Family History Society War Memorial Transcription Project
The Fallen Men of South Warwickshire - World War One |
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Military History |
| Theatre of War | Medals | Commonwealth War Grave or Memorial |
|---|---|---|
| France & Flanders | 1914 Star & Clasp, British War & Victory Medals | Thiepval Memorial |
| Arrived in Theatre | Medal Citation (if app) | SWFHS Area Memorials |
| 22 Aug 1914 in Boulogne, France | ~ | Leek Wootton |
| Action, Battle or Other Reason Killed | Date and Place Enlisted | Other War Memorials |
| Battle of the Somme | 1911 in Warwick | |
| Place of Death | Previous Regiments or Units | |
| near Sucrerie | ~ | |
Date of Enlistment
According to his service number, 1943, Oliver enlisted between 4 Feb 1911 when #1770 was issued and 27 Jan 1912 when #1983 was issued. Source
Circumstances of Death
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Oliver is listed as being killed in action on 15 Jul 1916. The 1st Battalion war diary for the period 14th to 16th July is transcribed below along with a newspaper report of his death. War Diary14th. July 1916 - Camp - Mailley-Forceville Road: Wet day. Coy's training. D Coy found one Officer and 40 men for work on 4th Avenue at night. Mailley and Bertrancourt shelled. Casualties: 3 Other Ranks wounded. 15th. July 1916 - Camp - Mailley-Forceville Road: Fine day. Battalion relieved 2nd Roy. Dub. Fus. in left sector of line, relief completed 5.30pm. B Coy on right front, A Coy left front, D Coy in support, C Coy reserve in Tenderloin. Quiet night. R. Irish Fus. on our right, E Lancs on left. Transport shelled by Sucrerie, 3 horses killed. All kits & Co? brought up to Tenderloin by B Coy. Arrived midnight. Casualties: 1 Other Rank killed & 1 wounded. 16th. July 1916 - Trenches - Auchonvillers:Fine day. Enemy artillery active all day and most of night. Our guns retaliate on front and 2nd line trenches. Enemy sniping active at night and use lots of flares. Aeroplane dropping lights observed over Beaussart 11pm. Casualties: 1 Other Rank killed & 4 wounded. Newspaper ReportWarwickshire Advertiser - Saturday 22nd July 1916 Lance-Corporal Oliver James Clarke, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, has been killed in action. He was the second son of Mr. & Mrs. John Clarke of Leek Wootton, and was formerly a fireman on the London and North-Western Railway. He was driving a transport wagon [see War Diary entry] when he was struck and the bullet or piece of shrapnel went through two postcards in his pocket which he had written ready to post home. |
| Personal & Family History |
| Birth Date/Place | Baptism Date/Place |
|---|---|
| 3 Nov 1894 in Willenhall | Not found |
| Parents Names | Abode |
| John William and Edith Clarke nee Sheffield | Leek Wootton |
| Schools | Colleges |
| ~ | |
| Address History | Employment History |
| 1894 - Willenhall | 1911 - Horse Driver (see Circumstances of death) |
| 1901 - Archers Farm, Honiley | 1912 - Soldier in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment |
| 1911 - Leek Wootton | 1914 - Soldier in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment |
| 1916 - Leek Wootton (pension card) | |
- Oliver's surname is recorded as Clark (no e) in the census records.