Photograph courtesy of Dorking Advertiser findmypast.co.uk
Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.
Owen Clark was born in the fourth quarter of 1878 in Wakefield, West Riding in Yorkshire to railway guard and librarian Mason and Sarah (nee Phillips). He was baptised on 13th March 1879 at St Catherine’s in Sandal.
His father Mason was born about 1853 in Stretham, Cambridgeshire to Matthew. His mother Sarah was born about 1852 in Newtown, Montgomeryshire in North Wales to Evan. They married on 10th May 1876 in Grange, near Cartmel, in Lancashire.
Owen had five siblings: Harry Phillip, John Evan, Oliver, William Clark and Minnie.
At the time of the 1881 Census, the family lived with Mason’s father Matthew at Long Lane, Stretham. Matthew was a farmer who owned 10 acres of land and employed one man. Mason was working as an agricultural labourer and Sarah was looking after their children Harry, John and Owen.
During the time of the 1891 Census, the family moved to Rowlands Court, Bryn Street, Newtown, Montgomeryshire. Owen’s mother Sarah was working as a seamstress, his brother Harry as a telegraph messenger. Owen, John, Oliver, William and Minnie were at school.
At the time of the 1901 Census, Owen was a boarder to carriage proprietor George Hughes living at John Street in Thornbury, Gloucestershire. Owen was working as a printer compositor.
Owen married Elizabeth Amelia George on 18th January 1908 at St Martin’s church in Dorking. At the time of the marriage, the couple lived at 36 Rothes Road in Dorking. Owen’s father Mason was working as a librarian and Owen as a printer and a journey man. Elizabeth was born about 1880 in Sydenham, Kent, to gardener John, and Emma
At the time of the 1911 Census, the family lived at 37 Dene Street in Dorking. Owen was working as a printer and Elizabeth was looking after their children Dorothy Lydia Minnie and Harry Philip. The accommodation had three rooms.
Owen was well known in Dorking. He worked for Mr W. G. Boorer and afterwards for Messer’s Rowe. Owen was also a good and sought after vocalist. For several years he was a member of St Martin’s choir and of the Dorking choral society. As a ‘privileged’ Oddfellow he had passed through its offices and was also a member of the Hospital Saturday Committee.
Owen enlisted in October 1914 in Guildford. At this time the family still resided at 37 Dene Street. He became Sergeant of the D Company, the 8th Battalion of the Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment. His regimental number was S/1010. He disembarked on 31st August 1915 to France.
SERGT. OWEN CLARK (MISSING)
No. 1010 Sergt. Owen Clark, D. Company, 8th Queen’s R.W.S was reported missing after the battle of Loos on Sept. 26th 1915, and information from any of his comrades would be gratefully received by his wife at 37, Dene Street, Dorking. Sergt. Clark was well known in Dorking, where he had lived nearly 12 years. A printer by trade, he was for some time in the employ of Mr. W. G. Boorer, and afterwards of Messrs. Rowe. A good vocalist, his services were often in request. He was for several years a member of St. Martin’s choir and of the Dorking Choral Society. As an Oddfellow he had passed through the office and had also been a member of the Hospital Saturday Committee. Mrs. Clark has a family of four; the eldest is eight and the youngest only eight months.
Owen Clark Missing Notice Dorking Advertiser © findmypast.co.uk
SERGT. OWEN CLARK
Sergt. Owen Clark, of the Queen’s, how was reported missing after the battle of Loos in September 1915, is now officially reported to have been killed. His wife lives at 37 Dene Street. Sergt. Clark had lived twelve years in Dorking before he enlisted in October 1914. A printer by trade, he was for some time in the employ of Mr. W. G. Boorer, and soon afterwards with Messrs. Rowe. A good vocalist, he was for several years a member of St. Martin’s Choir. He was also a prominent Oddfellow, and had passed through the chair. Mrs. Clark is left with a young family of four.
Owen Clark Death Notice Dorking Advertiser © findmypast.co.uk
According to the 1916 Dorking and Leatherhead Advertiser, Owen was reported missing after the Battle of Loos on 26th of September 1915. At this time his wife still resided at 37 Dene Street in Dorking. She later moved to 36 Rothes Road
Owen Clark is commemorated at the Loos Memorial in France on panels 13 to 15.
His wife Elizabeth Amelia Clark received £6 on 9th December 1919 in Soldier’s Effects.
Owen was awarded the British War and Victory medals and the 1915 Star.
Owen Clark lived in Dorking for nearly 12 years and left behind four children all born in Dorking; Dorothy Lydia Minnie, born in the 2nd quarter of 1908; Harry Philip, born in the 1st quarter of 1910; Oliver W born in the 4th quarter of 1911; and May, born in the 2nd quarter of 1915.
| Born | Wakefield, West Yorkshire | |
| Lived | 37 Dene Street, Dorking | |
| Son of | Mason and Sarah Clark | |
| Husband of | Elizabeth Amelia nee George | |
| Father of | Dorothy, Harry, Oliver and May | |
| Regiment | 8th Battalion, Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment | |
| Number | S/1010 | |
| Date of Death | 25th September 1915 | |
| Place of Death | Loos, France | |
| Cause of Death | Killed in action | |
| Age | 37 | |
| Memorial | Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais, France |
