William was born in 1896 in Leicester to Charles Henry Clarke, a policeman and Annie Maria (nee Wildgoose). They had 7 children – Bertha Victoria 1887
William Arthur 1889
Albert Edwin 1891
Gertrude Eliza 1892
William Henry 1896
Arthur 1898
1 unknown
In 1901 census the family lived at 68 Grove Road, Leicester.
In 1911 census they were at the same address and William was a shoe operative. His father was the labour superintendent for the Board of Guardians.
William became Gunner 297476 Royal Garrison Artillery. He was part of the Expeditionary force to the Persian Gulf and Died, aged 21, on 3.9.1917 of fever. He is buried at Amara War Cemetery, Iraq.
William’s photograph is in Leicester Mercury 9.10.1917 pg6.
