Oliver's Story.
Not listed on Weaverham St. Mary’s R.o.H. or the main WW1 memorial is an (Oliver) Clarke but the Guardian article records his burial at St. Mary’s, Weaverham.
Guardian Article 19th Feb. 1918 P3/C1; MILITARY FUNERAL AT WEAVERHAM.
The funeral of driver Oliver Clarke of the R.F.A. who died in the Royal Albert Hospital, Woolwich, from wounds received in action, took place at the Weaverham Parish Church on Wednesday afternoon last week. Lieutenant J. Arthur Cowley (Cheshire Volunteer Regiment) arranged for a military funeral, the officer Commanding the Depot of the Cheshire Regiment at Chester sending a band, a firing party and the bearers. The curtage left the residence of the deceased’s parents, lead by the firing party, marching with arms reversed and the band played “The song of death” followed by Beethoven’s Funeral March. The coffin was covered with a Union Jack, on the top of which rested the deceased’s cap and belt, and several floral emblems, including one from the staff at the hospital and another from his comrades in hospital.
The mourners were Mrs Clarke, mother, Mrs Allman, aunt, Mr. John Jackson (Earlestown) uncle, Messrs Fred Allan, Harry Allman and T. Jackson. Misses Ethel and Agnes Allman, Mr. and Mrs Powell, Mrs Ashley, and Miss Jackson, cousins. The officiating clergyman was Vicar (the Rev. Francis Long). After the service at the graveside three volleys were fired and the buglers sounded the “Last Post.” Lieutenant J. Arthur Cowley attended on behalf of the Northwich War Fund Committee. Driver Clarke was a native of Weaverham but for many years had lived at Earlestown. He had served on two fronts and was wounded some months ago.
Mr. C. E. Bebbington had charge of the arrangements.
C.W.G.C. remember Oliver Clarke at St. Mary’s Weaverham, he was with the Royal Field Artillery, (5c Reserve Bde.) Service No 24721, died 6th Feb. 1918, aged 32. Son of Mrs Amelia Clarke of 4 Vitrol Square Earlestown Lancs. Person Inscription: GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.
Carls Cam does not list an O. Clarke or an Oliver Clarke but Earlestown War Memorial remembers an O. Clarke., being; Driver, Oliver Clarke R.F.A. No 24741, on-line through the Newton and Earlestown Community Group.
The Gaurdian article on the funeral of Oliver implies Olivers parents lived in Weaverham at the time of the funeral; “The curtage left the residence of the deceased’s parents……...” but by the time the Commonwealth War Graves Commission had completed their information the parents lived at Earlestown.
N.A.M.C. have a medal card for an Oliver Clarke, Driver R.F.A. Service No 24721, awarded the 15 Star, Victory and British medals. Theatre of War (1) France, Date of Entry 8/9/15. (The card states Dead!)
Cheshirebmd records the birth of an Oliver Clarke in 1883 in Weaverham. Cheshirebmd also records the marriage of an Alfred Clarke/Amelia Jackson (father & mother) in 1882 at St. Mary’s Weaverham. St. Mary’s cemetery records have details of Oliver Clarke; buried 13/2/1918, with an address of Christ Church Hospital, Beckenham, and under comments “32yrs, Royal Field Artillery, War Grave”.
Research Bob Heaton