Born in Johannesburg during the Second Boer War and brought up in London, Clarke joined the Royal Artillery as an officer during the First World War, but was unable to fight in France due to an age limit.
Born in Johannesburg during the Second Boer War and brought up in London, Clarke became enamoured with the style and substance of the armed forces. During the First World War he joined the Royal Artillery as an officer, but was unable to fight in France due to an age limit.