Appeal to trace family of WW1 Victoria Cross recipient

The family of a World War one Victoria Cross recipient who lived in Rochdale are appealing to trace any of his remaining relatives.

James Clarke, born 1894, was originally from Winsford, Cheshire. He lived in Rochdale before joining the Lancashire Fusiliers.

Mr Clarke was awarded the Victoria Cross for his heroic exploits in World War 1 and now years later, a memorial rose garden is to open in Winsford, Cheshire, in his memory.

Mr Clarke’s Victoria Cross citation reads:

For most conspicuous bravery and initiative during the attack at Happegarbes on 2 Nov. 1918, when in command of a platoon. He led his men forward with great determination, and on being held up be heavy machine-gun fire, rushed forward through a thick, strongly held ridge, captured in succession four machine-guns, and single-handed bayoneted the crews. Later he led the remnants of his platoon to the capture of three machine-guns and many prisoners. In the later stages of the attack on the same day, when his platoon was held up by enemy machine-guns, he successfully led a tank against them over very exposed ground. Continuing the attack on 3 Nov., after capturing many prisoners and gaining his objective, he organized his line most skillfully and held up the enemy. On 4 Nov., in the attack on the Oise-Sambre Canal, under heavy fire from the canal bank, he rushed forward with a Lewis-gun team in the face on an intense barrage, brought the gun into action, and effectively silenced the enemy's fire, this enabling his company to advance and gain their objectives. Throughout the whole of these operations Sergt. Clarke acted with magnificent bravery and total disregard of personal safety and by his gallantry and high sense of duty set an inspiring example to all ranks.

Mr Clarke died in 1947 and is buried in Rochdale.

The memorial rose garden will be opened in a special ceremony on Remembrance Sunday (14 November 2010), outside the Lifestyle Centre in the town.

Winifred Abberley, 73, Mr Clarke’s great niece, is hoping to trace any relatives in the Rochdale area so they can attend the event.

Mrs Abberley knows that Mr Clarke married a lady called Vera in 1915 and he used to live at 174 Milnrow Road.

Mrs Abberley and her husband Neville think that Mr Clarke had relatives by the name of Fred and Beatrice Erving.

Mrs Abberley said: “We are desperate to find some relatives in the Rochdale area. We know somewhere out there he has a great grandson and we would like to get him there.

“We don’t know any relatives from Rochdale but we are trying to trace any that are left so they can come along and see that something is being done at long last.

“We are so proud of Uncle James – it is really quite emotional, it means the world to us.”

If you are a relative of James Clarke or know someone who is and can help Mrs Abberley in her quest to find relatives you can contact her on 01606 334648 or 07967712777 or email her on w.abberley@sky.com