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Victoria, Possibly connected though know of no India connection. My William James Clarke def married Elizabeth Sarah Ayres on 7.1.1905 Fareham, Hampshire. My mother is his grand daughter and she remembers him in 1938. His father named James. I think that the army records for 17985 W J C muddled with another man however, he said he was in the Militia before Short Service 1902 so could be the same but with 2 service numbers. I am more than happy to copy and post papers if you contact me privately.

Claire I also have been trying to find out about William James Clarke born 1891 London, also belived to have been in the amy, Trying to find first wife, not easy with this name, spent time in India, any connection?

Have got marriage cert for William James Clarke to Elizabeth Ayres 7.1.1905 He was a bachelor . When I get his birth cert I can establish if said Harriet is mother to him or other man.

Yes she was really helpful. It is always good to get another view on things. I think I may have found his birth. He said he was born in Southwark London in 1879. Searched and searched BMD and discovered St Olaves was the registration district .There is a William James Clarke registered there at the right time so am about to order cert. As far as mother Harriet concerned, I can't find her at Mason Street in 1901 or 1881. His first wife is still posing a mystery as really unable to read name.

Good job you had that good mate to help you :)

Some of the mystery solved. I spoke to an army pal who went through my papers and we discovered that 2 men with similar body markings and same name had their service records muddled in the archives. My pal manged to sort them out and explained that my William James Clarke was in the medical corps in WW1 and was probably under fire rescuing injured men. that is why he was awarded the 14 star bar and rosette medal. He was sent home as physically unfit for war service 4 days after engaging in battle but continued to serve at home. Thank you all for your input and when I get his marriage cert to my great grand mother I'll try to sort out the first wife.

Mystery deepens! 17895 William James Clarke (I have photo with number and name on back) signed up in 1902 mother Harriet Clarke and a wife whose name I can't read. Then in 1905 he marries Elizabeth Ayres and has my grandmother, Ellen Clarke in 1905. Out of the blue my mothers cousin rings me and says she was brought up to believe my grandmother was the step daughter! I have grandmother's birth cert (short version) which names her Clarke but wonder if full version may give unknown info. Have ordered William and Elizabeth marriage cert. Equally, army records have another service number for the same named William, with same scars and tattoos ! He went to the front on 16.8.1914, won 3 medals including 14 Star bar and rose but on 20.8.1914 was discharged as unfit for war service!! In 1917 or 18 I have a photo of him in full uniform! A scoundrel, bigamist or not my relative??

Yes, best to be safe and follow back from solid facts. Though bit concerned about the Harriet Caul bit. May be gran was mistaken (lets hope so!). When you get his marriage cert you will hopefully be able to follow dads line back. But Im just wondering - did you check his birth under the name Caul rather than Clarke? I ve just had a go and cant find him there either - Caul seems to be specifically a name from Wales/Liverpool area.

Hi Heather. Thanks for advice. My first post re Fareham was because only info available was from my mother who remembers visiting him there in 1938. My grandmother told me William's mother was Miss Caul. His army record says he was born in Southwark but but no date, I worked year out by stated age (which may well be incorrect)I can't trace him on BMD. Think you are right and will get his marriage cert.

Hi Claire, well to get his parents you could buy his birth certificate for both mums maiden name and dads name and occupation and where they were resident when William was born.
I see you have info re his mothers maiden name - does that mean you already have his birth cert?? You say he was born Southwark but mention Fareham in your first post?

This is the only Harriet Caul I can find on freebmd - no sign of a mr clarke here though:

Marriages Jun 1869
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CAUL Harriet Hackney 1b 580
GRANTHAM George William Hackney 1b 580
PEREIRA Anne Hackney 1b 580
Swallow John James Hackney 1b 580


Hmm, nor can I see a matching William James Clarke birth. On the army records did it give his exact date of birth? And his address? I think you may have to get his marriage cert.

William James Clarke b Southwark, London c 1876 to Harriet Clarke nee Caul. Served in WW1 (have army records). Certainly alive 1938 living in Fareham, Hampshire. Married to Elizabeth Clarke nee Ayres. would like to discover his siblings and parents. Brother Walter and sister Ellen. thanks.

Claire, what are you trying to find? What do you have already?

Trying to find William Clarke of Fareham, Hants. Served in 35th Heavy Battery Royal Garrison Artillery 1914-18