Lieutenant Colonel James Drury Clarke

Other Events:

• Residence: Elora, Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada
• Residence: Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 75 West Main St. W., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-354786
• Military: 1914, WW1; WW1, 111th Battalion / 29th Regiment / 30th Regiment / 57th Regiment
• Military: 1914, WW1; WW1, Lieutenant Colonel, 111th Battalion

Notes:

WORDS OF PRAISE FOR 11^TH BATT.
ONE OF BEST UNITS THAT HAS EVER TRAINED IN FOREST CITY

The London Advertiser this morbing in referring to the early departure of the 111th Battalion for overseas has the following to say about the South Waterloo unit:

The 111th Battalion, which is so to leave London, was authorized November 10, 1915. The original intenetion was to raise one battalion in the whole County of Waterloo. This met with same opposition however as it was felt that South Waterloo was quite capable of raising a equipping a battalion itself.
The authorities at. Ottawa fell with the idea, and Major J. D. Clarke of the 29th Regiment, a militiaman of long standing and a capable officers was chosen as Commander of the new unit. He was immediatately given the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and once commenced the work of organizing his battalion.

A Newspaper Man.

Lieut.-Col. Clarke is a newspaper man of many years' experience. He was originally a Wellington County man and several years ago enter the newspaper field. His work carried him to Detroit, where he spent four years on the Times. Going to Galt he acquired with associates control of the Galt Reporter, and the present standing of that paper is largely due to his business and executive ability.

His ability in his chosen work found scope in military life, and it claimed that he has done as well in the face of stiff opposition in the raising of the South Waterloos as it was possible to do. While the unit has not been brought to full strength the class of been secured was of high average and in their training since they came to London they have attained a high standard of efficiency
Excellent Record
The record of the 111th since came to London has been an excellent one so far as the conduct of the men is concerned. Not a single unpleasant incident has marred their stay here, and the weekly reports the acting-provost marshal have be exceptionally clear of the names of 111th men.

While the unit is being generally congratulated on having been chosen to go overseas at a time when the opportunity is even more coveted than usual, regrets are widely heard that London is to see the last of the men from South Waterloo

Galt Weekly Reporter 28 Sep 1916 pg 2


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His name appears on the masthead (p. 2) of the Galt Reporter 1911-1916, initially as Business Manager, then as Managing Director.