Thomas had previously served in the military, in the Kings Royal Rifles, before then becoming a reservist. When he went to war, he left behind his wife Bridget, who was pregnant with their fifth child. Sadly, Thomas died on 7 March 1915, and their baby was born in January 1915, and died later that year, a year of heartbreak and devastation for Bridget and their family. An uncle of the family, Thomas Wilkinson, was asked to break the news to the family. Thomas was later made Mayor of Lancaster in 1920. The family lived on Edward Street, which lost many of its men and boys during the war.

More information on Thomas Clarke from Lancaster Military Heritage Group.

More information on the worst affected streets