Name
Herbert George Clements
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
26/04/1918
33
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
19278
Bedfordshire Regiment
2nd Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 /15 Star, British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
TYNE COT MEMORIAL
Panel 48 to 50 and 162A
Belgium
UK & Other Memorials
Holy Trinity Church Memorial, Weston
Pre War
Born in Weston in 1884, son of Noah and Sarah Ann Clements of Damask Green, Weston. Baptised on 1 June 1884, Weston. 1911 Census: living with family at Damask Green, Weston and working as a Farm Labourer. (now called Valentine Cottage at Damask Green) Was a prominent cricketer and footballer. Married Florence May Turner in 1914. Father of Bob and Tom Clements who were aged 4 and 2 when he died. Bob's last memory of his father is when his father picked him up and put him on a cow's back in the meadow behind the cottages.
Wartime Service
Enlisted in Bedford on 17 January 1915 and went to France with the Duke of Bedford's first 1200. Came home on leave twice. Killed in action. His wallet containing photographs etc. and his League of Spiritual War membership card were all pierced with shrapnel. The Duke of Bedford wrote a letter in sympathy to his widow "Your husband served so long under me and was so well known to me, I hope I may be allowed to express to you my sincere sympathy in the loss you have sustained. Your husband died a gallant death, giving his life in the cause of his country". Widow Florence was awarded a £15 war gratuity.
Additional Information
Mr and Mrs Clements son (Noah John) Jack was also killed, on 7 December 1916 and their son William was wounded at Neuve Chapelle. They also lost ten cousins.
Acknowledgments
Peter Handy, Brenda Palmer
