Pte
Ernest John Clarey
Information about birth
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Date of birth: 23/04/1891 |
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Place of birth: Ramsey, Isle of Man, Isle of Man |
General information
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Profession: Painter |
Army information
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Country: England, United Kingdom |
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Force: British Expeditionary Force |
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Rank: Private |
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Service number: 30364 |
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Enlistment place: Douglas, Isle of Man, Isle of Man |
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Units: — Machine Gun Corps, 23rd Coy. (Last known unit) |
Information about death
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Date of death: 01/08/1917 |
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Place of death: Lijssenthoek, Remy Siding Casualty Clearing Stations, Belgium |
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Cause of death: Died of wounds (D.O.W.) |
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Age: 26 |
Cemetery
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Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery Plot: XVII Row: A Grave: 8 |
Distinctions and medals 2
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British War Medal Medal |
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Victory Medal Medal |
Points of interest 3
| #1 | Place of birth | ||
| #2 | Enlistment place | ||
| #3 | Place of death (approximate) |
My story
Private Ernest John Clarey served in the 23rd Company of the Machine Gun Corps, which was attached to the 23rd Infantry Brigade of the 8th Division.
In this stage of the war, the machine guns were used as a support unit for the infantry. They were ordered to fire barrages at specific zones or targets, just like the artillery. After several reorganizations, the machine gun companies, in 1917, were units under direct command of the brigade commander.
During the Battle of Pilckem Ridge, the 23rd Company was ordered to fire a number of barrages after which they were at the disposal of the commanders of the infantry battalions in the frontline. They were used to withstand German counterattacks and support friendly attacks. On July 31, the machine guns were mounted south of Lake Farm. When the German artillery zeroed in on them, they moved to Lake Farm and held that position and awaited relief. This was, however, postponed until August 1. At some time during this battle, private Clarey was badly wounded. He was probably evacuated to an aid post and died on August 1 of his wounds.
In this stage of the war, the machine guns were used as a support unit for the infantry. They were ordered to fire barrages at specific zones or targets, just like the artillery. After several reorganizations, the machine gun companies, in 1917, were units under direct command of the brigade commander.
During the Battle of Pilckem Ridge, the 23rd Company was ordered to fire a number of barrages after which they were at the disposal of the commanders of the infantry battalions in the frontline. They were used to withstand German counterattacks and support friendly attacks. On July 31, the machine guns were mounted south of Lake Farm. When the German artillery zeroed in on them, they moved to Lake Farm and held that position and awaited relief. This was, however, postponed until August 1. At some time during this battle, private Clarey was badly wounded. He was probably evacuated to an aid post and died on August 1 of his wounds.
Sources 9
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"The Third Ypres Passchendaele. The Day-by-Day Account", McCarthy C., London, Arms & Armour Press, 1995, pg. 23-5. Sources used |
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Ancestry http://www.ancestry.co.uk Further reference |
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Ancestry http://home.ancestry.co.uk/ Further reference |
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CWGC https://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/434637/clarey,-ernest-john/ Sources used |
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CWGC https://www.cwgc.org/ Sources used |
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The Long, Long Trail http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/ Sources used |
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The Long, Long Trail http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/ Sources used |
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War Diary 23rd Coy., Machine Gun Corps http://www.nmarchive.com/ Further reference |
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War Diary Headquarters, 23rd Infantry Brigade http://www.nmarchive.com/ Further reference |