Rushden Soldier in Hospital - Pte Horace Clarke Suffering from Thorax

Mr and Mrs Charles Clarke, of 49, Robert-street, Rushden, have received official news that their son, Private Horace Clarke, Northants Regt., was admitted to the 1st Canadian General Hospital at Etaples on Sept. 30th, suffering from thorax. On Wednesday morning the anxious parents received a few lines from their son, stating that he is going on all right now.

Private Clarke enlisted on March 22nd, 1915, and went to France the last week in July last year, so that he had been at the front 14 months. Before enlisting he worked for Messrs. Green and Coe, boot manufacturers, Rushden. He is 22 years of age.

Mr and Mrs Charles Clarke, of 49 Robert street, Rushden, have, we regret to report, received news from unofficial sources that their youngest son, Private Horace Clarke Northants Regt. has been killed in action.

The news is sent by the officer commanding the late Pte Clarke's company. He writes under date Dec. 2nd:-
"It is with great regret I write to tell you of the death of your son. His death was instantaneous, and everything that we did to save him was of no avail. He was knocked out by a German trench mortar while on duty in a front line trench. He was buried as a son as it was dark, and the only thing I can say is that he received a good burial. He was a good solider and was beloved by his officers and by the men of his company. Once more offering you my heartfelt sympathy, I remain, Yours very sincerely, HR Leslie Smith, Lt, OC, C Co."

The late Pte Clarke, who was 22 years of age, enlisted on March 22nd, 1914 (sic) and went to France in the July following. He has been once wounded, and about a month ago was home on sick furlough after recovering from his wound. It was immediately on his return that he met his fate. He fought all through the battle of Loos, and participated in the fighting at Trones Wood. Prior to enlistment he was employed by Messrs. Green and Coe.

As a lad he passed through the Sunday school of the Park-road Baptist Church, and attended the services regularly right up to the time he enlisted. He was at the morning service a month last Sunday, when home on sick leave.

Mr and Mrs Clarke have lost one other son - Gunner F Clarke, RGA, who died whiles on service in Egypt on Feb. 1st this year, as reported in the "Rushden Echo" at the time. Much sympathy is felt with Mr and Mrs Clarke in this their double bereavement.

Rushden Soldier Victims - Two Brave Brothers Lay Down Their Lives

Mr and Mrs Charles Clarke, of 49 Robert-street, Rushden, have now received official news that their youngest son, Pte Horace Clarke, Northants Regt, was killed in action on Nov. 24th, while serving with B.E.F. in France. He was 22 years of age. It will be remembered that deceased's brother, Gunner F Clarke, Royal Garrison Artillery, aged 32, died while on active service in Egypt on Feb. 1st, this year. Both entered the army voluntarily and have now made the supreme sacrifice.