Orders, Decorations and Medals

Three: Private F. H. Clarke, 9th Lancers, killed in action by a German mine explosion in February 1916

1914-15 Star (L-7720. Pte. F. H. Clarke. 9th. Lrs.); British War and Victory Medals ((L-7720 Pte. F. H. Clarke. 9-Lrs.) extremely fine (3) £120-140

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to the 9th and 12th Lancers.

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Frederick Henry Clarke served with “C” Squadron in France from 1 June 1915. He was killed in action on 12 February 1916 when a German mine was exploded in the trenches east of Bethune.

The regimental history states: ‘On the 12th, early in the morning, the Germans took a hand and themselves blew a mine; it destroyed a large sector of trench and some of its occupants, but no attack followed.’

Private Clarke’s body was not recovered after the explosion and he is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, and also Cheam War Memorial, St Dunstan’s, Cheam Village.