Historical information
Charles Frederick Clark was 1 of 3 sons of Thomas and Elizabeth Clark of Bonegilla who served in WW1. Charles, Ernest and Thomas were the eldest children of a family of 12 children. At the age of 25, Charles enlisted in 13th Light Horse Brigade 1st Reinforcement on 25 January 1915. He was later transferred to the 2nd Division Artillery Column and the 4th Australian Medium Trench Mortar Battery. Charles served in Egypt, Gallipoli and France.
As a result of his actions at the Third Battle of Morlancourt on the Western Front, Charles was awarded the Military Medal. The citation for the medal read:-
Awarded: Military Medal 24th June 1918
Recommended by: Brigadier-General O. F. Phillips Commanding 2nd Division Artillery Column
Action for which commended:
637 Bombardier Charles Frederick Clark
868 Bombardier (T/Corporal) George Traill McLennan
"On the night 10/11th June 1918 during the attack South of MORLANCOURT near ALBERT, these NCOs showed great courage and determination under most trying conditions. They were each in charge of 6” Newton Mortars which had very important tasks. Just prior to the attack their gun positions were very heavily shelled and this continued throughout the barrage fire covering the advance. The work of these NCOs, who could not remain under cover all the time, was extremely dangerous, the enemy batteries having the range exactly. Their great gallantry set a splendid example of coolness to their men."
(Signed) C. Rosenthal, Major General Commanding 2nd Australian Division
He also received the 1914-15 Star, the British War medal and the Victory Medal.
Significance
This uniform is significant as it was worn by a Wodonga District resident who received the Military Medal which was awarded for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire during World War 1.
Physical description
Khaki Australia WW1 uniform for AIF. This uniform has 2 external patch chest pockets and 2 internal pockets with opening flap. It has 5 central buttons and 4 pocket buttons. There is a buttoned down epaulet on each shoulder and unit badges sewn onto each arm. An AIF Rising collar badge is on each peak of the collar. A strip of service ribbons is attached at the top of one chest pocket.
Subjects
References
- Brave Bonegilla Boys ISBN/ISSN: ISBN 9780646917726 The small community of Bonegilla produced 28 young volunteers, average age 22, eager to leave their homeland and their families to fight for their King, country and freedom. This publication, written by Marie Elliot, tells their stories. Charles Frederick Clark was one of the "Brave Bonegilla Boys"
- UNSW Canberra - The AIF Project A profile of Charles Frederick Clark from the AIF Project searchable database which documents the service of Australians during WW1.
