230928 Pte. William Clarke British Army 5th Btn. Manchester Regiment from:8 Eliza Ann Street, Patricroft, Eccles, Lancs William Clarke was born about 1874. His wife was Mary Hannah (nee Edwards) who was born about 1871. They had six children.
William was employed at Nasmyth and Wilson, Bridgewater Foundry, Patricroft, Eccles as a labourer and crane driver. He volunteered for Army service at the Drill Hall, Cromwell Road, Eccles, and joined the Lancashire Fusiliers as Private No. 5056. He transferred to the 5th Manchesters and was renumbered 4197.
He embarked on the Empress of Britain to Egypt via Gibraltar arriving on 17th September 1916. William had various postings around Egypt.
He left Egypt for the Western Front in March 1917 and saw action at Arras, Ypres, Passchendaele and various engagements during the retreat and advance in 1918.
William was demobilised in April 1919 with no injuries. He was awarded two medals: the British War Medal and the Victory Medal, which he received in 1921.
He returned to his family at Eliza Ann Street and resumed work with Nasmyth Wilsons.
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