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| 79.1029.2, gift of Mrs. G. Umbach |
This photograph, donated by Mrs. G. Umbach, is one of
several that will be featured on the blog in the upcoming months to commemorate
the First World War. Also known as The Great War, this massive conflict erupted
on July 28th, 1914. Britain, and by default, Canada, declared war on
August 4th, 1914.
Peace River resident Corporal George Clarke enlisted in
Edmonton mere days after marrying Annie Southcott, who had come over from
England to be his wife. Originally assigned to the 202nd Infantry
Battalion, Clarke was transferred to the 31st Battalion and saw
action in France and Belgium. His unit was part of the Occupation Forces in
Germany towards the end of the war. He returned to Peace River and was integral
to the construction of several key buildings in town. A copy of this
photograph, accompanied by George Clarke’s military tunic (jacket) are
currently on display in the Peace River Gallery at the Peace River Museum,
Archives and Mackenzie Centre.
Although this portrait of Cpl. Clarke appears to depict him
posing in a military camp, it was actually taken in a studio. The backdrop,
complete with tents and a flag, is painted on canvas and Cpl. Clarke is
standing on a drop-cloth.
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