medal code j3420

Full medal write up

link to medal write-up
back to previous page

A FINE GREAT WAR YPRES 1915 D.C.M. AWARDED TO AN N.C.O. 1ST NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS, WHO HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN PROMOTED FOR GALLANTRY AT MONS. SEVERELY WOUNDED AT YPRES, HE RETURNED TO FRANCE ONLY TO DIE OF WOUNDS RECEIVED AT THE BATTLE OF BELLEWAARDE RIDGE IN JUNE 1915

DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL G.V. ‘6931 SJT: J. CLARKE. 1/NTH’LD FUS:’

D.C.M. London Gazette 30 June 1915. The recommendation states:

“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on the night of 14th April, 1915. when after a mine had been exploded in front of the house he was in and half the garrison were wounded or buried, he gallantry rallied the remainder to man the trench. It was largely owing to his untiring efforts that so many men were extricated”.

John Clarke, from Birkenhead, a Postman at Liscard Post Office, had previously served in the army as a bugler. Recalled to service, he served with the 1st Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers in France from 13 August 1914. He took part in the retreat from Mons and was advanced to Corporal. For his gallantry at Mons in “bringing in a wounded comrade under fire”, he was promoted to Sergeant.

In April 1915, he played a conspicuous part at the battle of ‘Hill 60’, Ypres and for his gallantry would be awarded the D.C.M. However during the battle, he was severely wounded; struck in the abdomen by a bullet and in several; parts of the body by shrapnel. Brought to Northampton Hospital, after recovery he was given a brief period of leave to recuperate at home, during which he was presented with his D.C.M. Refusing an operation to remove some remaining shrapnel as he wanted to return to France. He died of wounds on 18 June 1915, shortly after his retuned to his unit, his wounds almost certainly received during the ‘First Attack at Bellewaarde Ridge’, an attack in which his Battalion was one of the leading attackers.

Clarke was 36 years of age and his buried at Kemmel no.1 French Cemetery.

Condition VF, couple of small EK’s. Sold with digital copies of the Battalion War diary 1914-15, newspaper articles on recipient, MIC and medal rolls.

Code J3420        Price £1045