212906 Capt. Amos Clarkson MC, MID.British Army 8th Battalion (Leeds Rifles) Prince of Wales's Own West Yorkshire Regiment from:Ilkley (d.24th Oct 1918) Amos Clarkson was born in Silsden, his parents were John & Hannah Clarkson they relocated and resided at Elmcliffe in Ilkley. Amos was educated at Ilkley Grammar school and then worked for Francis Willey & co in Bradford where he was expected to carve out a successful business career. He enlisted in the West Riding Regiment in the early days of the war in September 1914 and gained rapid promotion where he attained the rank of quatermaster-sergeant. He was then recommended for a commission and was gazetted Second Lieutenant in the West Yorkshires. He was named in Sir Douglas Haig's new years honours list and received the military cross for his gallantry in action during Messines ridge engagement. Soon after he became full lieutenant then after a short stint as acting captain was promoted to that rank. Amos was wounded in the thigh by shrapnel on 20th September 1917 and was returned to Cambridge hospital to receive treatment. After returning to the front line he was wounded once again and died from his injuries in France on the 24th of October 1918 at the age of 23 he was interred at the Delsaux Farm Cemetery, Beugny.
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