Circumstances of Casualty: Killed in Action. During the advance on Beaucourt Wood, he was in charge of a machine gun section and just as they reached the wood, he was killed.
Location of Unit at Time of Casualty: Vicinity of Beaucourt.

BX August 26, 1918

Officially Reported

John Henry Edwin Ward, George Riley Bull and Alfred Clarke were officially reported in the list of casualties issued from Ottawa this morning, as having been killed in action.

BX December 6, 1918

Private Alfred Clarke Shot Through Head – Details of Death of Local Man Received from His Commander

Mrs. A. Clarke, 320 West Mill Street, who was formerly Miss Mary Pollock, has had the consolation of receiving in regard to the death in action of her husband, Pte. A. Clarke, the following letter from his platoon commander, Ronald W. Preston. He writes in part:

Dear Mrs. Clarke, 

No doubt before you receive this letter, you will have been officially informed of the death of your brave husband in our glorious victory and advance on August 8. Firstly, will you please accept the sincerest condolences and heartfelt sympathy in your great loss from the officers, N.C.O.’s and men of the D. Company, of those in No. 15 platoon. Your husband, I know, was a clean flying and good-minded boy and was an excellent N.C.O. and soldier. He was due for promotion very shortly.
    
Your husband fell, shot through the head and died instantly about two yards from two machine guns brought up by the Prussian Guards. We gained a great victory but had to pay the price. Your husband met a magnificent death that which all soldiers prefer. Be comforted knowing that he died for King, Country, Empire and our dearly beloved wives and children. As his platoon officer, I can assure you that I miss him badly. You mourn a good and loving husband, I a brave and devoted soldier and a conscientious and noble N.C.O. May God bless you and give you and his family strength to bear bravely his sad loss.