The AIF Project

'For courage and devotion to duty. Sergeant CLARK is the senior N.C.O. of No. 5 Section of this Company attached to the 5th Australian Machine Gun Battalion. he, with a party of linemen did particularly good work on the ST. QUENTIN front in operations on the 18th September 1918. In preparation for these operations, he, on the 17th September established communication between Battalion Headquarters near VENNDELLES, North West of ST. QUENTIN, and four Company Headquarters. The task was completed between 4.30 p.m. and 5.15 p.m. during which time he was caught in an enemy area shoot, but persisted in his duties. About 11 p.m. on the same night several lines were cut, and Sergeant CLARK again went out with his linemen and had normal communication established before the shelling ceases. Between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. on the 18th September he was constantly at work repairing lines which had been cut by shells, and succeeded in maintaining communication with firing batteries at a critical time under trying circumstances. He accompanied the linemen each time it was necessary for them to go out and was an excellent example of courage and devotion to duty without regard for his personal safety.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919