North Street, Newry, County Down

North Street, Newry, County Down
North Street, Newry, County Down

Monday 19 June 2017

Richard Clarke [abt. 1878 - 1916]



Richard Clarke was the son of William Clarke of Timoney Lodge, Corbally, and Rebecca Harvey. He was also the brother of Rebecca Clarke, who married William Nicholas Biddulph in 1889.
Richard Clarke joined the Royal Irish Constabulary in 1896. His service record from the Royal Irish Constabulary shows a broken service as he appears to have resigned twice in order to join Military Units. He first resigned in January 1900 and served with the "Imperial Yeomanry" in South Africa, before being reappointed to the RIC in October 1901. He did not remain long however, but resigned in March 1902 to join the ‘Irish Horse.’ He was, it would seem, a restless soul.
He was killed in action in 1916.
Clarke, Richard.
Rank, sergeant, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery [formerly Royal Irish Constabulary]; killed in action, October 20, 1916. [Ireland, Casualties of World War 1].
He is buried in Carnoy Military Cemetery.
In Memory of Gunner R. Clarke 5635,”A” Bty., Royal Canadian Horse Artillery who died on 20 October 1916.
Remembered with Honour.
His death is also commemorated in Ardcroney graveyard in Congor, County Tipperary. Ardcroney Church is no longer there having been removed in its entirety to Bunratty Folk Park, County Clare, but the graveyard remains.
Congor graveyard [Ardcroney Church]
In loving memory of William Clarke, Crowl, who died 20th Jan 1919, aged 89 years.
Also his wife Rebecca who died 23rd Jan 1925 aged 88 yrs.
And their son Richard who fell in France, 20th October 1916.