Cecil Andrew Benjamin Clark

 

 

Jan 18, 1897

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.

 

Nov 5, 1914

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

 

May 6, 1915

Embarked the RMS Metagama at Montreal Quebec

 

 

May 15, 1915

Disembarked at Devonport England and proceeded to the West Sandling Camp near Hythe Kent

 

Sep 14, 1915

Embarked the St Seiriol at Folkestone

 

 

Sep 15, 1915

Disembarked at Boulogne France and proceeded to St Omer

 

Jun 22, 1916

Appointed to rank of Acting Lance Corporal without pay

 

Jul 3, 1916

Proceeded on the Vickers Gun course

 

Jul 9, 1916

Rejoined the Battalion from course

 

Aug 25, 1916

Attached to the Lewis Gun School at Le Touquet France as an instructor

 

Oct 15, 1916

Severely reprimanded for being in Paris and producing a false pass

 

Nov 1, 1916

Appointed Acting Sergeant Instructor (without pay) while employed at the Lewis Gun School

 

Apr 18, 1917

Admitted to No 32 Stationary Hospital diagnosed with VDS (Venereal Disease Syphilis) then transferred to the No 51 General Hospital at Etaples

 

May 30, 1917

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

 

Dec 18, 1917

Granted 14 days leave

 

Jan 2, 1918

Rejoined the Lewis Gun School from leave

 

Jun 1, 1918

Ceases to be attached and reverts to permanent rank of Private

 

Jun 6, 1918

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

 

Dec 26, 1918

Granted 14 days leave to the UK

 

Jan 17, 1919

Transferred to England and posted to “E” Wing at CCC (Canadian Concentration Camp) Witley

 

Jan 21, 1919

To be Officers Mess Sgt at Bramshott

 

Jan 28, 1919

Transferred back to “E” Wing at Witley

 

Jun 5, 1919

Transferred to “A” Wing at Bramshott pending return to Canada

 

Jun 9, 1919

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.”

 

Jun 28, 1919

Embarked the SS Mauretania at Southampton

 

 

Jul 3, 1919

Disembarked at Halifax Nova Scotia and proceeded to Toronto Ontario

 

Jul 6, 1919

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

 

Dec 25, 1919

Married to Amelia Stodel at Orillia Ontario 

Occupation given as Candy Maker on Marriage Permit

 

Aug 17, 1921

British War Medal and Victory Medals sent to him at Box 313 Parry Sound Ontario

 

Feb 7, 1926

Entered the USA at Detroit Michigan

 

Sep 30, 1931

Became a naturalized citizen of the USA

 

Aug 2, 1950

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

 

Oct 31, 1972

Died at La Mirada, Los Angeles California 


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