William Alonzo Clarke

Story:
William Alonzo Clarke was born in Newbridge, Fermoy, Ireland, on 27 Nov 1896 the son of William Clarke and Mary Ann Clarke (nee Banks). It is not known where he lived his very early life but by the 1911 Census he was with his father who had moved to Sutton Waldron, Dorset, where he was employed as a Coachman. William (junior) had enlisted and joined the Royal Field Artillery as a Driver (later Saddler) (Service No 93804). He served in the Balkans from 14 Nov 1915 with the 54th Brigade. On his discharge he was awarded the Victory and British War Medals as well as the 1915 Star. He was also recorded on the Sutton Waldron Absent Voters List for 1918. The 1921 Census shows he was now living with his family at 3 Coventry Road, Bardsley, Birmingham, Warwickshire, working as a General Labourer. He married Gertrude Arthan in Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, during 1923. By the time of the 1939 Register he was living at 47 Farmer Road, Birmingham, described as an Aero Worker (Flap Door Fitter). His death was recorded in Bideford, Devon, during 1972.