Military History

Clement is listed as being killed in action on 26 Oct 1917. The 14th Battalion war diary entries for the period 24th to 27th are transcribed below.

Polderhoek - 24.10.17: The Battn takes over the front line trenches from 9^th K.R.R. Conditions very bad & trenches half full of mud. The track forward is also heartbreaking owing to the depth of mud & network of full shell-holes. 4 other ranks killed and 6 wounded.

Polderhoek - 25.10.17: 10 other ranks wounded, 2 missing. A draft of 33 other ranks join for duty – all new except for 6. 2^nd Lt W.H. Worthington reports for duty.

Polderhoek - 26.10.17: The Bttn in conjunction  with 15^th R War R attack the enemies position in Polderhoekk Chateau and his defences immediately N & S roughly between the Reutelbeek & Sherriabeek. The attack is most successful except on the Bttn right & the Chateau and surrounding defences are all taken after some extremely heavy hand-to-hand fighting. About 250 prisoners are taken & very many killed counted.

At 7.30am as the right flank is very exposed – owing to my right Coy being held up & the whole area is under M.G. fine from the Sherriabeek & Gheluvelt – the 7^th Division having been held up, the order to withdraw is given by a Junior Officer of the Left Battn without any reference being made to his Bn HQ. The left Battn then withdrew necessitating the 14^th Bn to conform.

Both Battalions reoccupy the old front line trenches. The Officers, NCO’s and men behaved throughout with splendid dash, courage & determination, against which the Germans could not stand.

Polderhoek - 27.10.17: The Battalion is relieved by 1/Bedford Regt, the relief being completed by about 12.15am & withdraw. Total Casualties between 24^th & 26^th inst: Officers [named] 5 Killed, 1 Missing & 3 wounded. Other ranks 30 killed; 59 missing and 141 wounded. Total 10 officers and 230 other ranks.