Thank you to Jane Anthony for this research.
It is impossible to trace this soldier with 100% certainly as his name was so common and there were not details of parentage, regiment or residence available. On this basis the best guess is that he was Edward Clarke of Ist Battalion Rifle Brigade (5200). He was already in the army when war was declared in 1914.
The First Battalion of the Rifle brigade was stationed in Colchester at the outbreak of the war, they were quickly redeployed to Harrow School and on 23 August embarked for Le Havre; they were one of the first regiments to see action in WW1. Edward Clarke was killed in action with A Company on 16 November 2014.
His memorial at the Ploegstreet Memorial in Hainaut Belgium states that Mr George Nettleford, a bootmaker, of Chapel Street Guildford was his foster father. A better connection to the Dorking area comes from his wife Mary Anne who was born in Albury. She was also Clarke’s sole legatee; therefore it would appear that he did not have any family. Clarke does not appear to have any connection with Mickleham, however as he had no family it is possible that prior to joining the army he was one of many itinerant works who were employed on the land prior to the war and spent time in the Mickleham area in that capacity.
Adopted son of George Nettleford of Chapel Street, Guildford
Husband of Mary Anne Clarke of Albury
Regiment A Company. 1st Battalion, Rifle Brigade
Number 5200
Date of Death 16th November 1914
Place of Death Belgium
Cause of Death Killed in Action
Age 18
Memorial Ploegstreet Memorial, Hainaut, Belgium