CLARKE, James Henry

James Clarke was born and attended the Cradley C of E School. He volunteered in 1914 for the Worcesters and was posted to the 4th Battalion. In April 1915 the battalion landed on Gallipoli on the first day of the campaign but, as with the rest of the force, remained pinned down on the coastal fringe. Fresh landings, together with a major diversionary attack from the original troops at the village of Krithia, were attempted on the 6th August. The breakthrough failed and casualties were heavy. Private James Clarke was killed in action on this day and is commemorated on the Helles, Cradley, Halesowen and Cradley C of E School Memorials.