To commemorate 100 years since the Armistice, we would like to introduce you to 100 members of Caulfield RSL over the next 100 days
Henry Andrew Clarkson
Henry Andrew Clarkson was a 29 year old book keeper in Rutherglen when he enlisted in the 7 Battalion on 23 August 1914, as No 897, 7 Battalion, D Company, 15 Platoon, Section 9, 1 AIF. After training at Broadmeadows the Battalion sailed with the first contingent for Egypt from Port Melbourne on 19 October on board HMAT Hororata. He landed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915, was wounded three times and evacuated to hospital ship Clan McGillivray the same night.
After an extended recovery in England, he rejoined his battalion at ANZAC Cove on 6 December until withdrawn early on 20 December. Hence, while serving on Gallipoli for only 16 days, he was there for both the first and last days.
His wounds continued to trouble him causing him to be assessed as medically unfit for infantry. However, because of his administrative skills, he was accepted on staff at AIF HQ in London where he remained until repatriation and demobilisation in February 1919.
He returned to Rutherglen, married, and ultimately moved to Caulfield in 1934.
He passed away in 1968.
Lest we forget