Harrogate Herald - 7th November 1917

W H Breare letter

The friends of Private F E Clarkson (West Yorks), son of Mr & Mrs Clarkson, Thirkhill View, Pannal, are anxious for news of him. His mother received a field card from him just before the attack on the 9th October, but has heard nothing since. Will you tell me if you have any information?

Harrogate Herald - 21st November 1917

Photo - Private F E Clarkson, WY, son of Mrs Clarkson, of Pannal, has been missing about six weeks. Any information would be appreciated.

W H Breare letter

Private F E Clarkson, 200620, of the Scout Section of the West Yorks, was wounded in the arm on the 9th of October, and whilst on his way to the dressing station was again wounded, this time in the leg. Since then no information of him has been received. He is the son of Mr and Mrs Clarkson, Thirkill View, Pannal. The family had letters to this effect week ending November 10th, from the chaplain and his officer. Any information will be gratefully received.

Further on in the same letter......................

Mrs B Clarkson, of Pannal, would be glad of any news regarding her son, F E Clarkson, who has been missing some six weeks or so.

Harrogate Herald - 9th January 1918

In response to the enquiries we made regarding Pte F E Clarkson, son of Mr & Mrs C Clarkson, of Thirkhill View, Pannal, the parents have received the following letter : 

I now take the extremely sorrowful duty of writing to tell you of your poor son's burial. I could not tell you exactly when he met his death, but am sending you all the property found on his body the day we buried him. You will find enclosed his watch, also some photographs, and all the money we found on him was a threepenny bit, which you will find enclosed, Well, I am a Yorkshire lad myself, so I think it was only my duty to give him as decent a burial as we could, but I can tell you this - he died facing the enemy. All I ask is for you to send me word whether you get his property, then I shall feel that I have done my duty towards a dead comrade. I must now conclude my short letter , hoping you do not take it hard - Believe me, yours respectfully, Sapper M Spink.

[Photo - 16th January 1918]

Harrogate Herald - 9th October 1918

In loving memory of Frank E Clarkson (West Yorks), killed in action 9th October 1917 - From his Parents, Sisters, and Brother, Thirkhill View, Pannal.

Harrogate Herald - 16th January 1918

Photo Page

Killed in Action - Private F E Clarkson, West Yorks, son of Mr and Mrs C Clarkson, of Thirkhill View, Pannal, has been killed in action.

SDGW

Regt : Prince of Wale's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment)

Battalion : 1/5th

Name : Frank Clarkson

Born : -

Enlisted : York

Residence : Pannal

Died : 9th October 1917

Rank : Private

Number : 200520

How Died : Killed in Action

Theatre : France & Flanders