Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Thomas Clarke a shoe trade pressman, born 1861 in Anstey, Leics., and his wife Amelia, born 1866 in Mundon, Essex. Joseph John was born in 1892 in Anstey, Leics., his siblings were, Alice H., born 1895, Annie E., born 1898 and Arthur W., born 1899, all his siblings were born in Anstey, Leics., in March 1901 the family home was at Nook Yard, The Nook, Anstey, Leics. In April 1911 Joseph was serving as a Private with the 1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment and was stationed at Talavera Barracks, Wellington Lines, Aldershot, Hants. The 7th April 1917 edition of the Leicester Mercury published the following under the heading, “IN MEMORIAM.” CLARKE – In memory of our dear son, Sergt. John T. Clarke, 2nd Leicesters, killed April 6th 1916, in Persian Gulf. Good-night, dear son; Sleep on until the resurrection morn. When there will be no more war, pain or strife. But everlasting light. Good-night. – From his ever sorrowing Father, Mother, Sisters and Brothers. The 7th April 1917 edition of the Leicester Mercury published the following under the heading, “IN MEMORIAM.” CLARKE – To the sacred memory of Lance Sergt. John J. Clarke 9943, 2nd Leicestershire Regiment (late of Anstey), who fell in action on April 6. 1916, in the Persian Gulf. What happy hours we once enjoyed. They live in my memory still; Now days are dark, and friends are few. Dear one, how I think of you. – From Beattie. The War Diary for today records. The 19th and 28th Bde’s supported by 21st Bde were ordered to carry out a night march with the intention of attacking at dawn. The march was commenced shortly after midnight, in massed formation, 28th Bde on right, 19th Bde on left. Formation of 28th Bde. Front line 51st SIKHS (FRONTIER FORCE) and Provisional Battn OXFORD AND BUCKINGHAMSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY, second line 2nd LEICESTERSHIRE REGT, third line 53rd SIKHS and 56th RIFLES (FRONTIER FORCE). Owing to considerable delay during the march the attacking Bde’s were 1000 yards short of enemy’s position when it was daylight. Suddenly the enemy opened a withering fire. The first lines of the Bde pushed forward to within 800 yards of enemy’s position until compelled to halt through very heavy casualties (our own artillery on right bank of TIGRIS being responsible for a considerable number) when they entrenched. Some 400 yards behind these another line was established and consolidated by some 200 men of the LEICESTERSHIRE REGT and HIGHLAND Battn’s (1st SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS and BLACK WATCH of 19th Bde), the remaining units of both Bde’s extending in rear. Heavy fire was kept up by enemy throughout the day. At dusk the wounded and a few others of the Battn and other units crawled back, and organised stretcher parties were sent out. The following casualties occurred, very early in the Battn. Officers killed 2nd Lt H. BILLINGS, wounded Major R. N. KNATCHBULL D.S.O., Major A. F. R. COLQUHOUN, Capt C. A. BAMFORD, Capt H. N. H. GRIMBLE, Lt H. STOCKLEY, 2nd Lt T. MONAGHAN, 2nd Lt. J. HARBOTTLE, 2nd Lt. H. S. ELLIS. 2nd Lt B. BRAKES was wounded in the afternoon. Other ranks during the 6th April, killed 45, wounded 254, wounded but did not quit Battn 3, missing 19. Major D. L. WEIR D.S.O. reassumed command of the Battn on the afternoon of the 6th April.