William Clamp

He stormed blockhouses then led his men through sniper fire.

William Charles Clamp was born at Motherwell on 28 October 1892. He attended school at Craigneuk, played cornet in the Salvation Army band and worked at a wagon works. He joined the Territorial Cameronians in January 1914 and went to France in March 1915. After being wounded twice, he transferred to the Yorkshire Regiment in January 1917.

On 9 October 1917 at Poelcapelle, Corporal Clamp’s advance was blocked by machine guns and snipers. When his first attempt to rush a blockhouse failed after his companions became casualties, he collected bombs and attacked again. He entered the position, captured a machine gun and about twenty prisoners, and brought them back under fire. He then returned to encourage the advance and attack further sniper posts. His conduct earned the Victoria Cross.

Shortly afterwards Clamp was killed. There was no later career. His body was not recovered and he is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial. His parents received the posthumous decoration from King George V in March 1918.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery when an advance was being checked by intense machine-gun fire from concrete blockhouses and by snipers in ruined buildings. Corporal Clamp dashed forward with two men and attempted to rush the largest blockhouse. His first attempt failed owing to the two men with him being knocked out, but he at once collected some bombs, and, calling upon two men to follow him, again dashed forward. He was first to reach the blockhouse and hurled in bombs, killing many of the occupants. He then entered and brought out a machine-gun and about twenty prisoners, whom he brought back under heavy fire from neighbouring snipers. This non-commissioned officer then again went forward encouraging and cheering the men, and succeeded in rushing several snipers’ posts. He continued to display the greatest heroism until he was killed by a sniper. His magnificent courage and self-sacrifice was of the greatest value and relieved what was undoubtedly a very critical situation.

Fifth Supplement to The London Gazette of 14 December 1917. 18 December 1917, Numb. 30433, p. 13223