Clifford Ernest's Story.
Clifford Ernest Neale was born in Birkenhead in 1895, the son of Arthur, a schoolmaster and Jessie E. Neale.In 1901 he was living in 65 Seymour Street, Birkenhead with his parents and one sister. The family employed one housekeeper.
Ten years later he is at school and still living with his parents (both teachers) and a sister and a brother, they are now living at 18, Albert Rd, Birkenhead.
Prior to the war Clifford Neale was a talented member of the literary staff of the Birkenhead News. Although exempted from service Clifford nevertheless volunteered for duty and went to France in June 1916. He was formerly attached to the Cheshire Regiment but on going to the front he was transferred to the Lewis machine gun section of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment
In early September 1917 Clifford’s battalion were attacking German positions north east of the Belgian city of Ypres. At first, he was reported as missing, as reported in the Birkenhead News article reproduced below, but later Private Neale was declared as killed in action. Sadly, his body was never recovered or identified so he is remembered with honour at the Tyne Cot Memorial.
Birkenhead News 22 September 1917
Pte. C. E. NEALE MISSING.
Anxious Inquiries
Mr. And Mrs. Arthur Neale, of 18, Albert Road, Birkenhead, have received news that their son, Private C. E. Neale (29407), was in action on the night of September 5th in Belgium, and was subsequently reported as “missing.” Letters which they have received have occasioned the family great anxiety, and inquiries at the War Office have failed to elicit any further information. It may be that the young soldier has fallen wounded into the hands of the enemy, and the family will be grateful for any information concerning him which may come to the knowledge of any other soldiers, whether actual comrades or otherwise.
Private Neale was, before enlisting, a highly esteemed and talented member of the literary staff of the “Birkenhead News,” and although he was exempted from foreign service, he voluntarily offered himself for such duty when his health (never robust) had improved under training, and he went out to France in June last. He was formerly attached to the 3rd Cheshires, but on going to the front was transferred to a Lewis Gun Section of the Royal Warwicks.
Clifford Neale is remembered on the memorial inside Trinity with Palm Grove Church
Research, Clifford Neale's photograph, newspaper article and Trinity with Palm Grove memorial photograph by Chris Booth.