Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Charles Montague Townsend Clare a painter and decorator, born 29th April 1862 in Old Swinford, Worcestershire and his wife Lucy Clare (nee Cragg, married in the 4th quarter of 1885 in the Leicester district), born 3rd June 1865 in Quorn, Leicestershire. Harold Edward was born in the 3rd quarter of 1894 in Willington, Derbyshire, his siblings were, Edith Lucy, born 1886 and Charles Frederick, born 1890, the latter two siblings were both born in Leicester, Caroline Mary, born 1893 and Ernest, born 1896, the latter two siblings were both born in Willington, George Henry, born 1899 and Nelly, born 1901, the latter two siblings were both born in Scraptoft, Leicestershire, in March 1901 the family home was at Scraptoft. In April 1911 Harold was absent from the family home at Frisby on the Wreake, Leicestershire, residing there was his father, a house painter, his mother and siblings, Ernest, an errand boy, George, a schoolboy, Ida, a schoolgirl, born 1902 in Leicester, Winifred, a schoolgirl, born 1905 and Walter, born 1908, the latter two siblings were both born in Leicestershire, Harold was employed as a baker’s assistant and was residing as a servant at Houghton on the Hill, Leicestershire. Harold was awarded the British War and Victory medals. In 1939 Harold’s father, a retired house painter and decorator and his mother were residing in the family home at Mill Lane, Frisby on the Wreake. Harold was awarded the British War and Victory medals.
The War Diary records: 24 Sep-18 – Heavy barrage was placed on Battalion Headquarters and area at 8.00pm lasting for 20 minutes. After which night was very quiet. Moon full and much bombing activity below our lines.
At 2.30am a report was received from the 2nd WORCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT that GLOSTER ROAD was held in force throughout their frontage.
At 3.00am an artillery and Machine Gun barrage came down. Captain IRELAND reported that owing to B -?- his platoons late he was late at the assembly positions. He made no progress and he himself was hit. Later it was ascertained that the attack on GLOSTER ROAD had been held up by a strong point at X.15.d.9.3.
At 4.00am it was ascertained that MEUNIER TRENCH was held by us to within 20 yards of LEITH WALK. Bombs were needed and sent up accordingly. Reports stated that Captain’s IRELAND and WARNER hit, 2nd Lieutenant PINNINGTON missing (later found wounded only). 2nd Lieutenant HOGAN killed. 2nd Lieutenant BUDD wounded. Captain IRELAND continued at duty after he was hit and made a personal reconnaissance of the whole front giving the first reliable reports of the situation. 2nd Lieutenant BUDD also remained at duty after he was hit and rendered excellent services. Colonel SYMON directed the remainder of the party attacking GLOSTER ROAD to withdraw. Trench Artillery was brought to bear on suspected concentration in GLOSTER ROAD. Enemy counter-attack succeeded in driving in our front to the positions previous to the attack. Morning was spent in reorganising Companies in the front line. Post system was reinforced by 2 platoons of “B” Company and Headquarters Lewis Gun team with 2 guns.
Lieutenant THOMAS assumed command of “C” Company in the line and 2nd Lieutenant NAYLOR of “A” Company.
At about mid day an attack developed on the Division on our right which appeared to have been repulsed.
Division on right reported a concentration of enemy in shell hole positions at X.22.b and requested confirmation by us.
“A” Company report no movement in X.22.b but that a post could be seen at X.21.b.8.7 in a small piece of trench with communication leading to MEATH POST. “A” Company ordered to deal with this with Stokes Mortars and Lewis Guns.
Stokes Mortars bombarded the place accurately.
Warning was received at 8.00pm that projector gas would be fired into VILLERS – GUISLAIN on night 24/25th.
Battalion Headquarters harassed most of the day the shells of all calibres.
Casualties ascertained as follows:-
Killed.
2nd Lieutenant G. S. HOGAN and 7 Other Ranks.
Wounded.
Captain G. McD. WARNER, M.C.
Captain G. B. de COURCY – IRELAND, M.V.O., M.C.
2nd Lieutenant H. PINNINGTON.
2nd Lieutenant F. G. BUDD (remained at duty).
68 Other Ranks.
Missing.
9 Other Ranks.
Night passed quietly. Our post was energetically patrolled in order to find out the positions the enemy had taken up.
On Friday October 11th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “FRISBY-ON-THE-WREAKE.” – LOCAL SOLDIER KILLED. – Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Clare, Frisby-on-the-Wreake, have received intimation that their second son, Pte. Harold Edward Clare (23), K.R.R., who volunteered for service at the commencement of the war, has fallen in action. He was formerly in the employ of Mr. S. A. Marriott, baker, Frisby, and at Whissendine.
On Friday November 1st 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “FRISBY-ON-THE-WREAKE.” – MEMORIAL SERVICE. – The vicar officiated at a memorial service at the Parish Church on Thursday evening for Private Harold Clare, recently killed in action. The congregation was a large and sympathetic one. The Dead March was played by Mr. C. A. Rodwell, organist.