John Stanley Clark began his war in the Otago Mounted Regiment and ended it mounted on a bicycle. At least, that was his unit when he died. He left Port Chalmers in the first transports for the war on October 16, 1914. He went with his Regiment to Gallipoli and was admitted to the hospital on Mudros Island in July 1915.
Before enlistment, John was a partner in a local Waitati grocery store. He began the partnership in 1913 with James Jenkins but the war intervened and James went bankrup in 1915.
His service
He was part of the 2nd Battalion of the Otago Infantry Regiment when it attack German positions on September 15, 1916 in the Battle of the Somme. Losses from German machine guns were very heavy, almost all of the 126 men of the OIR who were killed that day were from the 2nd Battalion.
After the battles of the Somme, on November 14, John was promoted to Lance Corporal (unpaid). Presumably this was part of recovering from the Regiment's losses and preparing for the arrival of reinforcements. Of the roughly fifteen thousand NZ troops in the field, just over ten thousand were killed, wounded or missing after the Battle and experienced soldiers were needed in higher ranks for the field training of the coming reinforcements.
Before enlistment, John was a partner in a local Waitati grocery store. He began the partnership in 1913 with James Jenkins but the war intervened and James went bankrup in 1915.
His service
He was part of the 2nd Battalion of the Otago Infantry Regiment when it attack German positions on September 15, 1916 in the Battle of the Somme. Losses from German machine guns were very heavy, almost all of the 126 men of the OIR who were killed that day were from the 2nd Battalion.
After the battles of the Somme, on November 14, John was promoted to Lance Corporal (unpaid). Presumably this was part of recovering from the Regiment's losses and preparing for the arrival of reinforcements. Of the roughly fifteen thousand NZ troops in the field, just over ten thousand were killed, wounded or missing after the Battle and experienced soldiers were needed in higher ranks for the field training of the coming reinforcements.
John's military records show a number of hospital admissions for illness during his period of service. War fatigue and illness might have been the reason for his being transferred to the NZ Cyclists Battalion in February of 1918. The Battalion was formed to perform the duties of mounted infantry but on two wheels rather than four legs. Like their horse-mounted equivalents, they weren't much use in static, trench warfare. While waiting for the Germans to attack they were being used for second line duties, digging trenches and burying telephone cables against the shelling to come.
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| Waitati Cemetery, Allan Steel photo. |
"As usual the Battalion supplied a number of men for traffic control duties in forward areas. This work was strenuous and responsible, and during March all forward road junction received particular attention from the enemy long range guns, the post in YPRES being well "straffed."' Whilst on duty there Private J. S. Clark was killed and several of our men wounded during the month." NZ Cyclists Battalion, Official History.
A brief note on John's records states: "multiple legs buttock face," referring to his wounds - a sad epitaph for a Gallipoli veteran.
A brief note on John's records states: "multiple legs buttock face," referring to his wounds - a sad epitaph for a Gallipoli veteran.
FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE
DEATH
CLARK - On March 25, died from wounds "somewhere in France," Corporal John Stanley Clark (Main Body, N.Z.E.F.), third dearly beloved son of Charlie and Agnes Clark, Double Hill, Waitati; aged 25 years.
His warfare's o'er, his battle's fought.
His victory won, though dearly bought,
His fresh young life could not be saved,
He slumbers now in a soldier's grave. -Otago Daily Times, 6/4/1918.
FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE
IN MEMORIAM
CLARKE - In loving memory of Lance-corporal John Stanley Clark (Main Body), who died from wounds in France on March 25, 1918.
This day brings back sad memories
Of one we loved so dear.
-Inserted by his loving parents, sisters, and brothers. -Otago Daily Times, 26/3/1921.
IN MEMORIAM
CLARK — In loving memory of a dear husband and father, Charles Clark, Waitati, who died April 14, 1931. And Stanley Clark, who was killed in France March 25, 1918. “Too dearly loved to be forgotten.” — Inserted by their loved ones.
CLARK. — In loving memory of our dear father and grandfather, who passed away at Dunedin April 14, 1931. Resting where no shadows fall In perfect peace he awaits us all. — Inserted by his loving son-in-law, daughter, and grandchildren, Leith Valley. -Otago Daily Times, 14/3/1934.
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