CQMS 22649 Horace Vere Clatworthy

• Age: 23
• From: Dingle, Liverpool
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 18th Btn
• Died Friday 21st February 1919
• Commemorated at: Allerton Cem Liverpool
  Panel Ref: Screen Wall. II. C.E. 84C

Horace Vere was born on 11th June 1895 the son of Tom Becknell Clatworthy and his wife Elizabeth Harriet (nee Sully) who married in 1885 in the West Derby Registration district. Tom was a Police Inspector with C Division of Liverpool Police.  

Horace enrolled at Sefton Park County Primary School in 1900. He also attended St Michael's County Primary School.  

The 1901 Census shows the family, incorrectly listed as Chatworthy, living at 65 High Street, Wavertree. His father, Thomas B., is shown as a police inspector born in Taunton in 1855, whilst his mother, Elizabeth H. is 41 years of age, born in Lacock, Wiltshire in 1860. Their four children all born in Livepool are listed as; Lorna Gladys aged 14, Harold Clifford aged 13, Horace Vere aged 5 and Adrian Norman aged 2. They also had a daughter Vera Elsa 1890-1891.

Horace's mother Elizabeth Harriet died in 1904.

Tom Becknell Clatworthy re-married in 1911 to Elsie Frankland.

The 1911 Census shows Horace and his brother Harold residing with their uncle Frank Clatworthy, a widower, at 3 Sutcliffe Street, Liverpool. Horace is a clerk

The 1911 Census also shows his father Tom Becknell Clatworthy with his new wife Elsie living at 17 Belgrave Road, Liverpool. 

Horace enlisted in Liverpool on 09th November 1914 joining the 20th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 22649. He gave his age as 19 years and 5 months and his occupation as a clerk. He was described as being 5'10, weighed 119lbs and had grey eyes and brown hair. 

Formed in November 1914 the 20^th Battalion were originally billeted at Tournament Hall, Knotty Ash before on 29^th January 1915 they moved to the hutted accommodation purposely built at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 20th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. He arrived in France on 7^th November 1915.

Horace rose up the ranks as follows:

Lance Corporal on 24/05/1915

Corporal on 12/03/1916

Lance Serjeant on 13/04/1917

Serjeant on 03/08/1917

Colour Serjeant/CQMS on 15/04/1918

He served in France and Belgium from November 1915 to February 1919 when he returned home, via Boulogne. He had previously returned to the UK for leave from 27th September - 11th October 1918. 

Horace contracted pneumonia and died at home at 5 Cedar Grove, Toxteth Park, Liverpool on 21st February 1919, aged 23, whilst on demob furlough.

He now rests at Allerton Cemetery, Liverpool.

His death was reported in the local press: 

CLATWORTHY - Feb 21 at 5 Cedar Grove, contracted pneumonia on his way home from France for demobilisation after 4 years and 3 months service, C.Q.M.S. Horace Clatworthy, late 20th K.L.R. (Pals), beloved youngest son of Inspector Clatworthy, C Division, Liverpool City Police. Military funeral on Monday next, 4 p.m. Allerton Cemetery.

There is a burial record for Allerton on 24th February 1919.

A doctors report in May 1919 advised that it is his opinion that Horace contracted the disease on his journey home.

His father wrote a stern letter to the Army in which he stated that upon reaching home, Horace complained bitterly about his 4 day and night journey home, often in cattle trucks and a 9 hour delay at Southampton Quay. 

His conclusion to his letter is damning:

"I shall always attribute his death to the treatment he received on his homeward journey".

Probate for Horace Vere Clatworthy was recorded as:

CLATWORTHY - Horace of 5 Cedar Grove, Liverpool comapny quatermaster-sergeant 18th Battalion King's Liverpool Regiment died 21st February 1919. Administration (with Will) Liverpool 2 June to  Harold Clifford Clatworthy – Police Constable. Effects £243. 10s 3d.

Soldiers Effects to brother Harold C., War Gratuity of £29:10:0, no Pension record found

Horace is commemorated on the following Memorials:

St Michael in the Hamlet Church, Liverpool

St Michael's County Primary School 

Screen Wall Allerton Cemetery

Screen Walls are a type of memorial for Commonwealth War Dead, they are predominantly used to record the names of individuals who have a known grave but where it is not possible to erect a CWGC headstone or the exact location of the grave is no longer known.

We currently have no further information on Horace Vere Clatworthy, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.