Military Medal and Bar : Lance Corporal C J Clarke, 14 Battalion, AIF

Military Medal (Geo V) and Bar. Impressed around edge with recipient's details.

Charles James 'Nobby' Clarke was born at Launceston, Tasmania, in October 1894. He moved to Victoria with his family as a young man, and was working as a shearer at Euroa before enlisting in the AIF in October 1914. He joined the 3rd Reinforcements to 14 Battalion, (originally with the service number 1512, later 1578) and sailed from Melbourne in February 1915. Clarke served at Gallipoli until wounded at Durrant's Post in November, and did not rejoin the battalion in Egypt until after the evacuation.

In early 1916, the unit moved to the Western Front, and he was promoted to lance corporal. After the August fighting at Pozieres, he was awarded the Military Medal (MM). Although records do not appear to have survived, it is known that the award was for gallantry in delivering messages under fire during this battle. Both the London Gazette and 4th Divisional Routine Orders confirm the award of the MM in November 1916.

The following year, Clarke was recommended for another award of the MM. The recommendation reads: 'During the 14th. Battalion's tour of duty from 24/1/17 to 9/2/17 in the GUEUDECOURT Sector this man displayed great gallantry and devotion to duty and [at] great personal risk assisted to maintain telephone communication between Battalion Headquarters and the Front line during heavy shell fire. While in support of the 13th. Battalion during the operations on the night of 4th/5th February to N.E. of GUEUDECOURT, he assisted maintaining communications forward from POSSUM TRENCH to Advanced Battn Headquarters, during what was declared to be one of the heaviest artillery barrages ever experienced on the Western Front.' However, it appears this recommendation was not acted upon.

Clarke also fought at Messines and Polygon Wood in 1917, and was promoted corporal in early 1918. He was recommended for a further award after an action at Villers Bretonneux in May, but again the recommendation was not acted on. The recommendation reads: 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at VILLERS-BRETTONNEUX [sic] on 2nd/3rd May 1918. During a minor operation in which our line was advanced, this Signaller and a companion rendered most signal service in maintaining communication between Battalion Headquarters and the forward Companies, under heavy shell-fire in rear and severe machine gun and rifle fire forward. They continually patrolled the lines with tireless energy and complete disregard for their own safety. Although the lines were ceaselessly out throughout the night, the efforts of these signallers so maintained communication that only for the briefest of periods were Headquarters out of touch with the forward Companies. Throughout the operation their work generally was worthy of the highest praise.'

In on 8 August 1918 Clarke distinguished himself by maintaining signal lines under heavy fire, and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. A similar exploit on the Hindenburg line, in one of the last Australian actions of the war, finally brought him a Bar to his MM. The recommendation reads: 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near ASCENSION WOOD on 18th. September 1918, and ensuing days this N.C.O. was in charge of the Battalion Report Centre which was continually subjected to heavy enemy shelling. Throughout he maintained communication with the companies. He continually patrolled the telephone lines often having to carry out repairs under heavy fire. By his energy and utter disregard for his own personal safety Companies were always in touch with Battalion.'

Clarke returned to Australia with the acting rank of sergeant, and was discharged in 1920. He joined the Militia in 1928 and was steadily promoted, holding the rank of major when the Second World War commenced. Although recalled to duty with the service number VX55289, he saw little service apart from a period with AIF Sea Transport, and retired in 1942. Nobby Clarke resumed farming at Nathalia in Victoria, and died there in November 1973.