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Auction: 19001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 549

A Great War 1918 'Western Front' M.C. attributed to 2nd Lieutenant F. Clarke, 12th Battalion, Tank Corps

Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse contemporarily engraved '2nd Lt. F. Clarke. Tank Corps. 1918.', good very fine, in case of issue and with the Investiture Booklet, Birmingham, 14 January 1920, annotated in ink and a Tank Corps cap badge

M.C. London Gazette 15 February 1919:

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in the Operations on 8 October 1918, east of La Targettes-Esnes Road.

Immediately after the assault and capture of the objective of the 2nd Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, at about 0730, the enemy delivered a counter attack with two tanks, assisted by two 77mm field guns. The position was serious, as the tanks advanced within 150 yards of our men, who had not had time to consolidate.

This officer moved his tank into position behind the road and, with the assistance of another tank, bombarded the two enemy tanks at a distance of 300 yards, completely disabling the latter. The tank crews, while attempting to escape, were shot down by our Lewis gunners. This splendid action was full of daring and saved a difficult situation.'

Frank Clarke was born in October 1891 at Nuneaton, Warwickshire. Initially enlisting in the Machine Gun Corps, Clarke was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the 12th Battalion, Tank Corps on 29 January 1918. Serving in France from 1 April 1918, he was wounded (gas) on 28 August 1918 before earning his M.C. whilst in command of 'L45' with 'C' Company, in what would be their last action of the Great War. Relinquishing his commission in December 1920 and entering the Civil Service, Clarke died at Hastings, Sussex on 3 January 1965; sold with copied research.

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Sold for
£750