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Lionel Beaumaurice (Leo) Clarke, V.C. 1892-1916

Born near Waterdown, Ontario, Leo Clarke moved to Winnipeg in 1903. He enlisted with the 27th Battalion, C.E.F. in February 1915 and transferred to the 2nd Canadian Battalion later that year. On September 9, 1916, on the Somme battlefront, though wounded, Corporal Clarke single-handedly defended a recently won trench. Using a revolver and two captured rifles he repulsed attack by two enemy officers and about twenty others, thus helping to secure the Canadian position. For his courageous action he received the British Empire's highest award for valour, the Victoria Cross. Before his award was announced, however, Corporal Clarke was killed in battle on October 19, 1916, and is buried near Le Havre, France.

Location

On the grounds of the Royal Canadian Legion building, Hamilton Street, Waterdown

Region: Southwestern Ontario

County/District: City of Hamilton (District)

Municipality: City of Hamilton

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