Walter was born about 1879. He was the son of George and Henrietta Clarke.
He married Alice May Maud Mudford in 1900. They had one son, Herman.
In the Electoral Rolls of 1905-06 Walter and his wife were living in Waipu in Northland where he was a Labourer.
By 1911 he was living in the Waikato and working as a Bushman.
Walter and Alice were divorced some time around 1917.
He was still working as a Bushman when the 1st World War broke out. He enlisted and served as a Private with the Auckland Regiment, N.Z.E.F. Service No. 12/3590. His next of kin was recorded as his son, Herman Frederick DeWet Clarke, care of Mrs G Rusling, Wanganui.
Tragically his only son Herman died in Germany in February 1917 after being taken a Prisoner of War.
On the way to Egypt Walter dived off the ship to save someone, but was himself injured. He underwent an operation in Egypt, and was then repatriated to New Zealand where he was receiving ongoing medical treatment when he died in Auckland Hospital on 5 July 1917 at the age of 37, as a result of his injuries. He was accorded a Military Funeral at Waikumete Cemetery.
Waikumete Cemetery & Crematorium, Glen Eden, Auckland Council, Auckland, New Zealand. PLOT: Wesleyan. Block C, Row 7, Grave 18[1]
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C > Clarke > Walter John Clarke
Categories: Auckland Infantry Regiment, New Zealand Army, World War I | Died in Military Service, New Zealand, World War I | Waikumete Cemetery, Glen Eden, Auckland | Anzacs, World War I