Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 29802, VICTORIA CROSS,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/29802/supplements/10395. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to award the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- No. 73132 Private (Acting Corporal) Leo Clarke, Canadian Infantry. For most conspicuous bravery. On 9th September 1916 near Pozieres, France, he was detailed with his section of bombers to clear the continuation of a newly-captured trench and cover the construction of a “block.” After most of his party had become casualties, he was building a “block” when about twenty of the enemy with two officers counter-attacked. He boldly advanced against them, emptied his revolver into them and afterwards two enemy rifles which he picked up in the trench. One of the officers then attacked him with the bayonet, wounding him in the leg, but he shot him dead. The enemy then ran away, pursued by Acting Corporal Clarke, who shot four more and captured a fifth. Later he was ordered to the dressing station, but returned next day to duty.
Fold3_Team · 31 Oct 2023
Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 29802, VICTORIA CROSS,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/29802/supplements/10395. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to award the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- No. 73132 Private (Acting Corporal) Leo Clarke, Canadian Infantry. For most conspicuous bravery. On 9th September 1916 near Pozieres, France, he was detailed with his section of bombers to clear the continuation of a newly-captured trench and cover the construction of a “block.” After most of his party had become casualties, he was building a “block” when about twenty of the enemy with two officers counter-attacked. He boldly advanced against them, emptied his revolver into them and afterwards two enemy rifles which he picked up in the trench. One of the officers then attacked him with the bayonet, wounding him in the leg, but he shot him dead. The enemy then ran away, pursued by Acting Corporal Clarke, who shot four more and captured a fifth. Later he was ordered to the dressing station, but returned next day to duty.