Wednesday 31 October 2007

Lance-Corporal Cyril Mervyn Clarke, DCM, MM

Born on 6 August 1882 in St. Vincent Island, West Indies - brother of Robert Clarke, St. Lucia, West Indies - enlistment records provide the following: present address General Delivery, Vancouver, British Columbia, trade as farmer, single, no current or previous military service, Church of England, height of 5 feet 10.5 inches, chest of 35 inches fully expanded.

Joined the 121st Battalion, CEF, in Vancouver, British Columbia, on 18 January 1916 (number 760897) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 15 November 1916 - wounded on 11 August 1918 - invalided to England on 13 August 1918.

He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (London Gazette, 16 January 1919) - official citation: "For conspicuous gallantry during operations in front of Meharicourt on 11th August, 1918. When our advance was held up by an enemy machine gun concealed about fifty yards in front, he rushed forward and single-handed charged the gun. Five of the enemy ran away, leaving the gun in his hands. In performing this act he killed one of the enemy and was himself wounded, but he carried on in the firing line for some hours until ordered out by an officer. His coolness, courage and determination throughout the day ably assisted in the success of the operation." - unit recommendation dated 15 August 1918: "For gallantry in rushing an enemy M.G. during operations in front of Meharicourt on Aug. 11th, 1918."

He was awarded the Military Medal - no citation - unit recommendation 17 April 1917: "For valuable work in carrying out his duty as Battn. runner during operation Apr. 9/17."

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