John's Story.
Birkenhead News 23 June 1915D.C.M. Won by Former Birkenhead Postman.
Among the gallant soldiers to whom the Distinguished Conduct Medal has been presented is Sergeant J. Clarke, of the Northumberland Fusiliers. He was formerly a postman attached to the Birkenhead chief office, and resided with Mrs. Parry at Woodside Cottages, Tranmere, for about 12 months. Subsequently he was transferred to the headquarters staff of the Liscard Post Office, and lodged at 4 West Street, Liscard, with a fellow official and namesake, Mr. E. A. Clarke.
Sergeant Clarke is an old soldier, first joining the Army as a bugler. He saw service in India, and was on his way to South Africa to take part in the war when peace was declared. He was recalled to the colours in August last, and did battle in several of the earlier engagements, including the retreat from Mons. He was soon made corporal, and won his third chevron by an act of bravery, bringing in a wounded comrade under fire. He had several marvellous escapes, but at Ypres was struck in the abdomen by a bullet, and in several parts of the body by fragments of shrapnel. He was brought to the Northampton Hospital, and is now on furlough at Liscard, where the D.C.M. was presented to him on Saturday last.
A further article from the Birkenhead News of 11th August 1915 reports that John Clarke returned to France following his furlough but was killed on June 18th