John's Story.
John Clarke lived at 1 Picton Avenue , Runcorn. He was 22 years old when he fell ill following the collision of the transport Kashmir and troop ship Otranto on 6th October off the coast of Islay, west coast of Scotland.At the time of the collision Seaman Clarke was suffering from influenza and with all who were to get up he went on deck to asertain what had occurred. He caught a fresh chill and pneumonia set in. He was taken into hospital at Glasgow, the first port of call, where he passed away. His remains were brought back to Runcorn and he was buried in the local cemetery.
Seaman Clarke as a boy attended the Holy Trinity day and Sunday schools, and was employed by the Ship Canal Company first in the office and later on the tugs. For twelve months before joining the Nary in 1915 he served on the coaster Ophir. On completing training at Devonport, he was drafted to the super-dreadnought Revenge on which vessel he took part in the Jutland battle. From the Revenge he was transferred as a gunner to the merchant steamer Brodvale, and then to the Kashmir. which was engaged in the transport of troops, and he was home no less than eight weeks before his death. He had one other brother in the Navy and one in the Army in France.
He was a member of the Hearts of Oak Friendly Society, and much sympathy was expressed with the parents at the loss of so bright and promising a young man. Four sailors acted as bearers at the funeral, Seamen Miller, Houghton, Evans, and Harding.
Prior to leaving the house Mr. W. Shaw conducted a short service, the hymn "Rock of Ages" being sung. At the cemetery the Rev. C. R. Killick officiated. The chief mourners were Mr. J. Clarke (father), Masters Arthur and Edwin Clarke (brothers), Messrs. W. Atherton, E. Salkeld, R. Salkeld (uncles), A. Broughton, H. Dale (Liverpool). E. Kortens, G. Parr, W. Parry, G. Houghton. F. Johnson. J. Owen. and W. Shaw. There were a number of beautiful floral tributes
Compiled by Graeme Ainsworth, text taken from Runcorn Weekly News 1st Nov 1918