Heslop's Local Advertiser
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Robert Henry Clark born November 9th 1896 at Felling, Gateshead, County Durham, one of 7 known children he was the youngest of 3 sons and 4 daughters. His parents James and Mary Ellen Clark, natives of Felling were born in 1862 and 1863 respectively. In 1911 the family were living at 65, Hewiston Terrace, His father James was employed as a coal miner, brother Albert Edwin (18) was a stoker in the Royal Navy and Robert was employed as a screener at the colliery. Elder brother Joseph (24) and sister Sarah Ann (26) were married, Harriet (20), Hannah (16) assisted their mother at home, Margaret Ann (8) was a scholar.
Robert Henry enlisted on the outbreak of war in 1914 and was assigned as Able Seaman Tyneside Z/568 to the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and transferred to Anson Battalion, 63rd Royal Naval Division, formed by members of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and volunteers who were not needed for service at sea, an idea of the then Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Members of these Divisions were transferred to the Army, 8 were created in all. Training was slow and there was a lack of uniforms and equipment. He should not have departed for service overseas until he turned 19 on November 9th 1915. If the dates on his service record are correct it would appear he departed prior to his 19th birthday as the sailing time to Gallipoli from England was approximately one month.
Able Seaman Tyneside Z/568 Robert Henry Clark Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve was killed or died as a direct result of enemy action, November 17th 1915, and is known to have been interred at Pink Farm Cemetery, Helles, Turkey (including Gallipoli) although after Armistice along with 219 other known named burials, his grave could not be identified. He is commemorated on Special Memorial 17 and was 19 years old and single.
Awards; 1914 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
His death was reported in Heslops' Local Advertiser 17/12/1915: >
Private Robert H. Clark, killed in action at the Dardanelles November 17th, aged 19 years. Son of James and Mary Ellen Clark, 65 Hewitson Terrace, Felling.
Robert Henry Clark is possibly remembered at Felling on F32.23 and at Windy Nook on W95.01 W95.02 and W95.16
