Edinburgh City Police - PC 204B John Prain Clark

The above family picture is courtesy of Douglas Roberts.

Both James and Alexander are entitled to the King George V Coronation (Scottish Police) Medal 1911, though neither are wearing it, although Alexander is wearing the King Edward VII Police (Scotland) Medal 1903. The 1911 medal was not issued until 1912. John joined on 26 September 1911 and was not entitled to the 1911 medal. This means the image dates between September 1911 and mid 1912.

It features three brothers who served in Edinburgh City Police. James enlisted in the Household Battalion on 28 January 1916 and was later transferred to the Scots Guards serving in France and Belgium. He was discharged in 1919 and returned to edinburgh City Police.

The youngest brother, John Prain Clark, enlisted in the Seaforth Highlanders on 1 June 1915 and was killed in action on 1 May 1917 near Arras, France.

Alexander remained with Edinburgh City Police.

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Edinburgh City Police

PC 204B john Prain Clark

Sergeant No. S/8896 2^nd Battalion Seaforth Highlanders 1915 - 1917

Introduction:

John Prain Clark was born on 18 October 1890 at the South Lodge, Balthayock in the Parish of Kinfauns, Perthshire. His father was William Clark, a Master Blacksmith, and his mother, Mary Clark or Clark. They had been married 31 December 1877 in Dundee.

John was the youngest child of seven, four brothers and two sisters. Their mother Mary, and all of the children were born in the Carse of Gowrie, between Perth and Dundee.

The eldest child, Alexander Clark joined Edinburgh City Police on 15 May 1901 as a PC in ‘C’ Division, and later transferred to ‘B’ Division. The second youngest child, James, joined the force on 20 June 1911. John joined the force in late 1911. All three ended up in the same Division. They can be seen together in the image dating from 1912.

In the Census of Scotland 1911, John Prain Clark was a patient in Ward 5 of the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary in Lauriston Place. His occupation was listed as a Ploughman, and his place of birth was Glencarse in Perthshire.

John joined Edinburgh City Police on 26 September 1911, his previous occupation was given as Ploughman.

On 1 June 1915, John was one of 96 Edinburgh Police constables from all five divisions who resigned that day as “Men volunteering for active Service with the Army”. Most of these men were destined for the Seaforth Highlanders and the Royal Scots.

John was serving as an Acting Sergeant in the 2^nd Battalion Seaforth Highlanders when he was killed in action on 1 May 1917. He was one of 14 Edinburgh officers who were killed in action with the Regiment between 1914 – 1918.

James also served in the Household Battalion, and then the Scots Guards. He was wounded, survived and rejoined the force in February 1919.

What follows is a chronological record of the Clark and Duthie families.

I am grateful to Douglas Roberts for all his assistance with family pictures. It has been invaluable.

The Early Years:

Registers of Birth in Errol in the County of Perth 1848:

Margaret and Mary Clark, twin daughters, were born on 26 October 1848 at Mains of Errol Farm in Perthshire. Their father was James Clark, a Farm servant, and their mother, Catherine Powrie or Clark. The girls were baptised in Errol on 2 November 1848.

This is the birth of John P. Clark’s mother Mary. The record shows the names of his Maternal Grandparents.

The Census of Scotland 1861:

On the night of the Census of Scotland 1861, William Clark, his wife Margaret and their one daughter and five sons were living at 62 Bucklemaker Wynd in Dundee.

This shows John Clarks father (William) and his Paternal Grandparents in 1861

The Census of Scotland 1861:

On the night of the Census of Scotland 1861, Isabella Powrie, her two daughters, and her Granddaughter Mary Clark, were living at a Private House in Inchture, Perthshire.

This is John Prain Clark’s mother staying with her Maternal Granny in Inchture on the night of the Census.

The Census of Scotland 1871:

On the night of the Census of Scotland 1881, William Clark, his wife Margaret and four of their sons were now living at 85 Bucklemaker Wynd in Dundee.

This is John Prain Clark’s father William, aged 18, still living in Dundee.

Register of Marriages in the District of St Andrew in the Burgh of Dundee 1878:

On 31 December 1877, at 18 Tobbun (?) Lane, Dundee, after Banns according to the Forms of the United Free Church, William Clark, (25), a Blacksmith of Kinnaird, married Mary Clark, (28), Domestic Servant, also of Kinnaird.

William’s parents were Alexander Clark, a Master Furniture Maker and Margaret Prain or Clark. Mary’s parents were James Clark, a Grain Warehouseman driver, and Catherine Powrie or Clark.

Register of Births in the Parish of Kinnaird in the County of Perth 1879:

Alexander Clark was born at Outfield, Kinnaird Parish, Perthshire, on 27 July 1879. His parents were William Clark, a Blacksmith, and Mary Clark or Clark. His parents were married in December 1877 in Dundee. His father registered his birth.

This is the birth of John. P. Clark’s eldest brother.

The Census of Scotland 1881:

On the night of the Census of Scotland 1881, William Clark, his wife Mary and their son were living at Dundee & Perth High Road, Balgay, Near Inchture, Perthshire

Register of Births in the Parish of Kinnaird in the County of Perth 1879:

William Clark was born at Inchture, Perthshire, on 9 April 1881. His parents were William Clark, a Journeyman Blacksmith, and Mary Clark or Clark. His parents were married on 31 December 1877 in Dundee. His father registered his birth.

This is the birth of John. P. Clark’s second eldest brother. He was born after the Census had taken place.

Register of Births in the Parish of Errol in the County of Perth 1883:

Margaret Prain Clark was born at Ardgaith, Perthshire, on 24 March 1883. Her parents were William Clark, a Journeyman Blacksmith, and Mary Clark or Clark. His parents were married on 31 December 1877 in Dundee. Her father registered her birth.

This is the birth of John. P. Clark’s eldest sister.

Register of Births in the Parish of Errol in the County of Perth 1884:

Elizabeth Murray Clark was born at Ardgaith, Perthshire, on 18 July 1884. Her parents were William Clark, a Journeyman Blacksmith, and Mary Clark or Clark. His parents were married on 31 December 1877 in Dundee. Her father registered her birth.

This is the birth of John. P. Clark’s second eldest sister.

Register of Births in the Parish of Errol in the County of Perth 1885:

Robert Robertson Clark was born at Ardgaith, Perthshire, on 17 august 1885. His parents were William Clark, a Journeyman Blacksmith, and Mary Clark or Clark. His parents were married on 31 December 1877 in Dundee. His father registered his birth.

This is the birth of John. P. Clark’s third eldest brother.

Register of Births in the Parish of Errol in the County of Perth 1887:

James Clark was born at Ardgaith, Perthshire, on 31 October 1887. His parents were William Clark, a Journeyman Blacksmith, and Mary Clark or Clark. His parents were married on 31 December 1877 in Dundee. His father registered his birth.

This is the birth of John. P. Clark’s fourth eldest brother.

Register of Births in the Parish of Kinfauns in the County of Perth 1890:

John Prain Clark was born at Glencarse Village, Perthshire, on 31 October 1887. His parents were William Clark, a Journeyman Blacksmith, and Mary Clark or Clark. His parents were married on 31 December 1877 in Dundee. His father registered his birth.

This is the birth of John. P. Clark’s fourth eldest brother.

The Census of Scotland 1891:

On the night of the Census of Scotland 1891, William Clark, his wife Mary and their two daughters and five sons were living at Rosiehill, Kinfauns, Perthshire. They also had an Apprentice Blacksmith living with them.

Register of Births in the Parish of Benholm in the County of Kincardineshire 1891:

Margaret Duthie was born on 4 June 1891 at Nether Benholm in the Parish of Benholm, in the County of Kincardine. Her father was Alexander Anderson Duthie, a Farm servant, and her mother, Elizabeth Hadden or Duthie. Her parents were married at Arbuthnott on 11 June 1880. Her father registered her birth.

The Census of Scotland 1901:

On the night of the Census of Scotland 1901, William Clark, his wife Mary and their family were living at the Blacksmith’s Cottage, Easter Ogle, in the Parish of Tannadice, in the County of Forfar. They also had an Apprentice Blacksmith living with them.

This is the first time the family have moved out of Perthshire.

The Census of Scotland 1901:

On the night of the Census of Scotland 1901 Alexander Anderson Duthie, his wife Elizabeth and their two daughters and five sons were living at Hilton Cottage, Fearn, in the County of Angus.

John Prain Clark’s future wife is Margaret, (9).

This part concerns James Clark PC 378B

Edinburgh City Police Weekly Record 9 July 1917:

The Weekly Record of Edinburgh City Police dated 9 July 1917, records that PC 215B James Clark had resigned for Military Service.

Army Records of Service – James Clark - 28 January 1917:

Lavina is listed as James’ next of kin, and Helen and William are listed as children.

James was transferred from the Household Battalion to the Scots Guards with the No. 17207 in early 1918.

James Statement of Services shows his postings as listed below.

During his service, James was wounded in action on 22 August 1918, an exploding artillery shell injured his left arm. He was treated for this in 2^nd Canadian General Field Hospital in Treport, Normandy, then evacuated home to the UK.

At some point during his service, Lavina and the children moved back near her family and were listed in his papers as living at Cotton of Lownie, Forfar.

Army Records of Service – James Clark -12 January 1919:

On 12 January 1919, James was posted to the 3^rd Battalion Scots Guards at Duddingston Camp, Edinburgh for his discharge.

“No. 17207 Guardsman James Clark, Scots Guards, transferred to Class “Z” Army Reserve 10 February 1919. Discharged on Demobilization 31 March 1920.”

Author’s Note: Some documentation shows James with the No. 17251, but I think this is a transcription error, as that number was being used by Guardsman Edwin Campbell whose name follows James in the Medal Roll.

The Census of Scotland 1911:

On the night of the Census of Scotland 1911, William Clark, his wife Mary and their son Robert were living at the Smith’s House, Glen Ogle, in the Parish of Tannadice, in the County of Forfar.

Under the rules of the Census of that year, married women had to register how long they had been married, how many live births they had experienced, and how many of those children, were still alive on the date of the Census. Mary stated, 33 years, 7 and 7.

By this year, Alexander was in Edinburgh City Police, with James and John about to join later in 1911.

Register of Deaths in the District of St Mary in the Burgh of Dundee 1913:

Margaret Clark, (91), Widow of Alexander Clark, Upholsterer’s Carter, died on 2 May 1913 at 13 Cochrane Street, Dundee. Her parents were John Prain, a Yarn Bleacher, and Elizabeth Murray or Prain, both deceased. Her son, John Clark, registered her death.

This was the death of John P. Clark’s Paternal Grandmother.

Register of Marriages in the Parish of Aberlemno in the County of Forfar 1914:

On 5 June 1914, at Netherton of Melgund, Aberlemno, after Banns according to the Forms of the Established Church of Scotland, James Clark, (26), Police Constable, of 8 Buchanan Street, Edinburgh, Married Lavina Robertson, (23), a Domestic servant of 8 Bellvue Crescent, Edinburgh.

James’ parents were William Bennet Clark, a Blacksmith, and Mary Clark or Clark. Lavina’s parents were Peter Robertson, a Farm servant and Helen Allan or Robertson.

Edinburgh City Police Weekly Record 1 June 1916:

The Weekly Record of Edinburgh City Police dated 1 June 1915, records that PC 204B John P. Clark was one of 96 officers who ‘Had resigned for Active Military Service.”

Register of Births in the District of Canongate in the City of Edinburgh 1915:

Helen Allan Clark was born on 18 July 1915 at 5 Bothwell Street, Edinburgh. Her father was James Clark, a Police Constable, and her mother was Lavina Robertson or Clark. They were married on 5 June 1914.

Army Records of Service – John P. Clark – 13 March 1916:

On 13 March 1916, No. S/8896 Acting Sergeant John Prain Clark of the 2nd Battalion Seaforth Highlanders wrote his Will. In very neat handwriting, it stated: -

“Cromarty, 13 March 1916.

In the event of my death, I give the whole of my property and effects to my wife

Margaret Clark

89 Albert Street, Edinburgh

(signature) 8896 John Prain Clark L/C

2nd Batt Seaforth Highlanders

(over)

In the event of my father, William Barnet Clark dying, my silver lever watch which he has at present must be returned to my wife Margaret Clark if she requests same.

Signature

8896 John Prain Clark L/C

Army Records of Service - James Clark - 28 January 1916:

James Clark, a Police Constable of 5 Bothwell Street, Edinburgh, was attested as Trooper No. 3324 in the Household Battalion of the Household Cavalry. He was immediately placed in the Reserve.

Register of Births in the District of Canongate in the City of Edinburgh 1917:

William Barnet Clark was born on 11 February 1917 in 5 Bothwell Street, Edinburgh. His father was James Clark, a Police Constable, and his mother was Lavina Robertson or Clark. They were married on 5 June 1914.

Army Records of Service – John P. Clark – 1 May 1917:

Sergeant No. S/8896 John Prain Clark was killed in Action on 1 May 1917. He is buried at Feuchy Chapel, British Cemetery Wancourt, France.

Army Records of Soldiers Effects– John P. Clark – 15 August 1917:

The Army Records of Soldiers effects show that Margaret Clark was paid the sum £9. 6/2d (£9.31) for wages etc due to John. She would later receive a Widow’s Pension of £0. 16/3 (£0.81p) per week, paid from 12 November 1917.

Army Records of Service – Robert Duthie – 6 September 1918:

Margaret Duthie or Clark’s brother Robert, (23 or 24) was KIA serving as a Sergeant in the Black watch on 6 September 1918. He is buried in Saint Mary’s Advanced Dressing Station cemetery, Haisnes, department du Pas-de-Calais, Nord Pas-du-Calais, France.

The Census of Scotland 1921:

On the night of the Census of Scotland 1921, William Clark, and his wife Mary were living at The Glencoull Distillery, in the Parish of Tannadice, in the County of Forfar.

William has changed his trade completely.

Register of Deaths in the District of St Clement in the Burgh of Dundee 1921:

On 25 April 1921, Margaret Clark, (29), a Charwoman, and Widow of John Prain Clark, Police Constable, of Broomfield, by Brechin, Forfarshire, died in the Royal Infirmary, Dundee. She was the daughter of Alexander Duthie, a Farm Servant, and Elizabeth Hadden or Duthie. Her brother, John, registered her death. Margaret was buried in Brechin Cemetery on 28 April 1921.

This must have been heart breaking for her family.

Scotland National Probate Index 1921:

The Scotland National Probate Index for 1921 has the following record: -

“CLARK, Margaret Duthie or, Broomfield cottages, by Brechin, widow, died 25 April 1921 at Dundee testate. Confirmation Forfar 13 May to Elizabeth Hadden or Duthie, and Alexander Duthie, Labourer, Broomfield Cottages aforesaid, Executors. Will dated 19 June 1917 recorded Forfar11 May 1921. Value of Estate, £488. 2/4d.”

Army Records – Issue of Medals 1922:

James acknowledged receipt of his British War Medal and Victory medal in a receipt signed and dated by him on 11 July 1922. He can be seen wearing the two war medals along with his King George V Coronation (Scottish Police) Medal 1911, in one of the pictures in this article.

The End of the Story:

Edinburgh City Police Weekly Record 23 May 1927:

PC 239B Alexander Clark retired on pension with 26 years’ service.

Register of Deaths in the District of Brechin in the County of Forfar 1927:

On 16 June 1927, Alexander Anderson Duthie, (67), a Farm Servant, married to Elizabeth Hadden, died at 27 Kinnaird Place, Brechin in Forfarshire. He was the son of James Duthie, Farmer and Mary Duncan or Duthie, both deceased. His son, John Duthie, registered his death.

This was the death of John Prain Clark’s father-in-law.

Register of Deaths in the Parish of Tannadice in the County of Angus 1929:

Mary Clark, (80), a Housewife married to William Clark, Blacksmith, Retired, died at The Post Office, Tannadice, Angus. She was the daughter of James Clark, a Grain Machine man, and Catherine Powrie or Clark, both deceased. Margaret Lowden, her daughter, registered her death.

This was the death of John Prain Clark’s Mother.

Register of Deaths in the Parish of Montrose in the County of Angus 1929:

William Barnett Clark, (76), retired Blacksmith and Widower of Mary Powrie or Clark, died on 1 September 1929 at the Royal Asylum, Montrose. His usual address was The Post Office, Tannadice, Angus. He was the son of Alexander Clark, a Cabinetmaker, and Margaret Prain or Clark, both deceased. ‘J. B Patrick’, a House Steward at the Royal asylum registered his death.

This was the death of John Prain Clark’s father.

Register of Deaths in the District of Brechin in the County of Forfar 1930:

On 20 May 1930, Elizabeth Duthie, (71), Widow of Alexander Anderson Duthie, Farm Servant, died at 27 Kinnaird Place, Brechin, in Forfarshire. Her son John Duthie registered her death.

This was the death of John Prain Clark’s mother-in-law.

Edinburgh City Police Weekly Record 11 October 1935:

PC 379B James Clark retired on pension (Certified medically unfit) on this day after 24 years’ service.

This has been such a sad story, John Prain Clark’s wife Margaret lost her husband and her brother to the war, and the took ill herself so soon after the end of the war.