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Jan 18, 1897
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Born at Byng
Inlet Ontario to David Andrew and Catherine (nee Moore) Clark
This information is taken from his
birth registration. He lied about his age
when he Attested into the CEF, giving his birth year as 1894. In addition he reversed the order of his given
names, probably in an effort to disguise his true identity.
In later life he appears to have gone by Benjamin.
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Nov 5, 1914
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Attested into
the 21st Battalion at Kingston Ontario
Ø Number 59160 (temporary number 621)
Ø Next of kin given as Mrs K Clark (mother) of 141 Andrew St, Orillia
Ontario
Ø Previous occupation given as Confectioner
o Later noted as Carpenter
Ø No previous military experience given
Ø Religion given as Presbyterian
Ø Assigned to “F” Company
o This was later reorganized into “C” Company
He lied about
his age, stating that he was born in 1894
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May 6, 1915
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Embarked the RMS
Metagama at Montreal Quebec
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May 15, 1915
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Disembarked at
Devonport England and proceeded to the West Sandling Camp near Hythe Kent
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Sep 14, 1915
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Embarked the St
Seiriol at Folkestone
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Sep 15, 1915
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Disembarked at
Boulogne France and proceeded to St Omer
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Jun 22, 1916
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Appointed to
rank of Acting Lance Corporal without pay
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Jul 3, 1916
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Proceeded on the
Vickers Gun course
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Jul 9, 1916
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Rejoined the
Battalion from course
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Aug 25, 1916
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Attached to the
Lewis Gun School at Le Touquet France as an instructor
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Oct 15, 1916
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Severely
reprimanded for being in Paris and producing a false pass
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Nov 1, 1916
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Appointed Acting
Sergeant Instructor (without pay) while employed at the Lewis Gun School
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Apr 18, 1917
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Admitted to No
32 Stationary Hospital diagnosed with VDS (Venereal Disease Syphilis) then transferred to
the No 51 General Hospital at Etaples
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May 30, 1917
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Discharged to
Base Details at No 2 CIBD (Canadian Infantry Base Depot) at Etaples
Placed under
stoppage of pay of 50 cents per diem and forfeits Field Allowance while in hospital (42
days) as punishment for contracting VD
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Dec 18, 1917
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Granted 14 days
leave
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Jan 2, 1918
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Rejoined the
Lewis Gun School from leave
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Jun 1, 1918
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Ceases to be
attached and reverts to permanent rank of Private
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Jun 6, 1918
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SOS (Struck Off
Strength) the 21st Battalion on being posted to Canadian Corps Headquarters
Re-attached
to Canadian Corps Lewis Gun School and appointed to rank of Acting Sergeant with pay while
employed there
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Dec 26, 1918
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Granted 14 days
leave to the UK
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Jan 17, 1919
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Transferred to
England and posted to “E” Wing at CCC (Canadian Concentration Camp) Witley
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Jan 21, 1919
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To be Officers
Mess Sgt at Bramshott
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Jan 28, 1919
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Transferred back
to “E” Wing at Witley
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Jun 5, 1919
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Transferred to
“A” Wing at Bramshott pending return to Canada
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Jun 9, 1919
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Medical Board
notes at Bramshott
Patient statement “I have never had Syphilis and received no
treatment for it. While at 51 General
Hospital at Etaples I had a sore which was treated with Saline solution and iodoform
powder. I had no injections of any kind.”
The Medical Board’s opinion reads “Yes, it is considered
that this man never had VDS and does not require to be dealt with in accordance with PCO
47.”
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Jun 28, 1919
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Embarked the SS
Mauretania at Southampton
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Jul 3, 1919
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Disembarked at
Halifax Nova Scotia and proceeded to Toronto Ontario
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Jul 6, 1919
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Discharged from
the CEF at Toronto Ontario
Ø Rank on Discharge Sergeant
Ø War Service Badge Class “A” issued No 318318
Ø Proposed residence on Discharge General Post Office, Orillia Ontario
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Dec 25, 1919
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Married to
Amelia Stodel at Orillia Ontario
Occupation given as Candy Maker on Marriage Permit
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Aug 17, 1921
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British War
Medal and Victory Medals sent to him at Box 313 Parry Sound Ontario
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Feb 7, 1926
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Entered the USA
at Detroit Michigan
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Sep 30, 1931
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Became a
naturalized citizen of the USA
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Aug 2, 1950
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Sailed from
Hamilton Bermuda to New York City aboard the SS Queen of Bermuda with second wife Olga.
I could not determine what happened with his first marriage, nor when he remarried.
Home address
given as 29260 Brooks Lane, Birmingham, Michigan, USA
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Oct 31, 1972
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Died at La
Mirada, Los Angeles California
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