Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Born in Unley, South Australia, Benjamin Albert Clarke spent his early working life as a Carter with Hawkes Livery Stables, where he was employed for over five years. Living with his wife, Mary Jane Clarke, at 41 Unley Road, he was 30 years old when the First World War began. He was a member of the Church of England

He was 30 at the time of enlistment, which was the 17th of August 1914 at Morphettville, South Australia. His standing height is 5 feet, 8 inches (173 cm), chest width 37 inches (94 cm), and weight 143 lbs (65 kg). According to Clarke’s enlistment papers, he was recorded as having dark blue eyes, dark hair, and a dark complexion. He had numerous scars on his left arm from vaccinations, and he also had 2 scars on his chest from burns. His application was accepted.

Clarke departed Australia on the HMAT Medic on the 20th of October 1914. He disembarked in Egypt and completed some training until being sent to fight at Gallipoli. On the 16th of September 1915, he was hospitalised due to sickness. Clarke transferred to a hospital in Malta on the HMHS Ascanius. On the 21st of October 1915, he embarked for England on the Regina d’Italia. He was admitted to the 1st Southern General Hospital. Once he recovered he attended depot before proceeding overseas to France 25th July 1916. He was transferred to the 4th Divisonal Artillery Column 9th August and a couple of weeks later transferred to the 24th Field Artillery Brigade.

He fought at the Battle of Pozières from 23 July to 3 September 1916 and the Battle of the Ancre from 13 to 18 November 1916.  His leadership potential was recognised when he was appointed Corporal in the field on 20 August. Despite another hospital stay in September, he continued his service, and by December 1916, Clarke had transferred to the 2nd Australian Divisional Signals.

On 1st of January 1917, he was promoted to Temporary Sergeant following the wounding of W.O. Armstrong, and on the same day, his rank of Sergeant was confirmed.  In early 1917, he was involved in the Retreat to the Hindenburg Line (February to March) and participated in the First and Second Battles of Bullecourt from 11 April 1917. Later that month, he was taken on strength with the 11th Field Artillery Brigade to attend the Royal Artillery Cadet School, where on  May 12th, he was promoted to Temporary Battery Sergeant Major. However, his service was disrupted when he reported sick in August, and on the 25th of August, he was forced to revert to the rank of Private upon evacuation. He embarked for England aboard the hospital ship Princess Elizabeth on the 30th of August, and the following day he was admitted to the 1st Birmingham War hospital at Rednal to recover.

After a period of recovery, in 1918 he returned to active service, proceeding overseas from Southampton on 7th of March and rejoining his unit in France less than a week later on the 13th of March. On the 25th of March, he was again recognised for his leadership, being promoted to Temporary Battery Sergeant Major in place of BSM Green, and on the same day, his rank was confirmed.). In 1918, he took part in the Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux (24–27 April), the Battle of Le Hamel (4 July), the Battle of Amiens (8–11 August), the Third Battle of Albert (21–23 August). He was granted leave from the 24th of September, and he embarked for Australia from Taranto.

The following year, on the 22nd of January 1919, he was discharged. Benjamin Albert Clarke passed away on the 3rd of September 1963 in Springbank, South Australia. He is buried at the West Terrace Cemetery in the AIF Section.