Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Francis was born 18.08.1913 in Worsely, Westem Australia
Father's Name: John Stephenson Clark
Mothers's Name:1. Catherine Edith Stevens 2. Margaret Caroline Clark
Pre-war Occupation: Storekeeper

Frank’s mother, Catherine Edith Callaghan died Worsley in January 1915. Frank would have been about 18 months old.
His father Francis Stevens was unable to care for him at such a young age and it was arranged for Frank to be looked after by Margaret and Dave Clark.
Margaret Clark was Catherine‘s sister so this made her Frank’s aunt. Although never officially adopted he did officially change his name from Stevens to Clark before he married and enlisted in the A.l.F.
Dave and Margaret Clark had the store at Alexander Bridge, in fact the store overlooked the river and Alexander Bridge. Dave Clark was formerly a timber feller from near Nannup. He purchase the land and built the store which included living quarters in 1925, they mostly served the members of the several nearby Group Settlement families. The store also contained the community’s Post Office. It was well known throughout the community that during tough times, Dave Clark would never refuse credit to his clients, in particular those with large families. Sometimes he would receive payment. But more often than not the families would leave the district penniless. Despite the fact Dave and Margaret had their own young family to support, Dave continued with his acts of kindness for which he was widely known for.
Frank was residing at Karridale when he enlisted.
Frank Clark played in the 2/4th footy team which included Joe Pearce, Ron Badock, Clive Hellmrich (died illness Dec 1943 Kanchanaburi), Edgar Hunt (died dysentery Aug 1943 aged 29 years at Hindaine Camp) and Frank Clark (died illness October 1943 Kuii Camp aged 39 years).
Major Alf Gough, Commanding officer of ‘D’ Force Thailand, V Battalion said Clark would cook dishes for him when he was ill with beri-beri.
Alf Gough also said ‘Clark died a man’.
Frank left his widow Joan (nee Lindley) and two daughters Elayne and Marion.

POW#: 4/5995 and 2231
Cause of Death:
Malaria, Cardiac and Beri-Beri
Place of Death:
Kuii Camp
Date of Death: 10.10.1943