Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Name: Edwin Clark
Service Number: 1034
Place of Birth: Mount Torrens
Date of Birth: 4 May 1892
Place of Enlistment: Adelaide
Date of Enlistment: 10 January 1916
Age at Enlistment: 23 years 8 months
Next of Kin: Mother, Mary Clark
Occupation: Labourer
Religion: Methodist
Rank: Private
After joining the 43rd Battalion Edwin’s unit embarked from Adelaide on board HMAT A19 Afric on June 9 1916 proceeding to France on November 25. Edwin was gassed on26 May 1918 and after hospitalisation was able to rejoin his unit in July. He was awarded the Military Medal for “bravery in the field... for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when working as a stretcher – bearer during the attack on the village of Rony on 29/30th September 1918. ... He was untiring in his efforts to render first aid to the wounded men, helping them to a place of comparative safety and evacuating to a dressing station. He always worked with a total disregard of personal danger and frequently exposed himself in full view of the enemy to render assistance to wounded men... Our lines at this time were subject to a heavy barrage from enemy machine guns, trench-mortars and artillery; and casualties were heavy and the work of stretcher-bearers was correspondingly difficult... Throughout the whole operation Private Clark worked with untiring energy and cheerfulness, worthy of the highest praise.”
Private Edwin Clark returned to Australia on the Nestor on 20 May 1919 and was discharged on 14 August.

The Medical Report on Private Percy Boelke states, “10 May 1918, on admission – quite irresponsible, cannot apply himself to any regular occupation, shows a general lack of wisdom in his actions whilst at large. 4th July 1918- well behaved and complies to regulations whilst under control in Parkside. 4th July 1918- Released after his mother had signed a paper to be responsible for him.”
How Percy Boelke was able to re-enlist twice after being initially discharged due to his mental condition raises the question of the thoroughness of medical and enlistment procedures at that point in the war.