Herbert Clifford Clarke was born on 23 May, 1879, to William Clarke and Jane Teresa Clarke, nee Jordan. He enlisted on 24 July, 1917, aged 38 years and two months. He was , at the time, a pastry cook and was to go on to become a master baker. He had married Daisy Rachel Gifford in 1902, and they were living at 26 Jolimont Rd., Jolimont, when he left for the war. They had a son, Clifford Charles Clarke (1903-1991). who appears to have been an only child.

On 30 July, he as called up for training at the Recruitment Depot at Broadmeadows, then spent time with the Pioneers at Seymour, then again at Broadmeadows with the No. 1 Depot Battalion, where he was assigned to the 20th Battalion, 23rd Reinforcements. They embarked for overseas service on on 21 November, on board HMAT Nestor A71, disemberking at Suez on 15 December. After further training, they were sent to England on board HMT Abbescoite, landing at Taranto on 13 January, 1918, then disembarking at Southampton on 23 January, marching in to join the 6th Training Battalion, No. 2 Command Depot, Fovant.

Herbert Clarke was to get no further than Fovant. It was found that he had flat feet and tachycardia, leading to shortness of breath, so, on 6 June, he was returned to Australia for discharge. In 1919, Herbert Clarke was working as a pastrycook, and living with Daisy at 32 Canterbury Rd. St. Kilda West. In 1924, they were at 2 Deakin St., Balaclava. After that, they do not appear on the Electoral Roll.