Robert John Clarke was born about 1897 in Randalstown. Robert was brought up by his grandparents, Charles and Mary Ann Underwood in the Toome area. Robert enlisted in Belfast. He was living in Randalstown at the time. Rifleman Robert John Clarke was serving with the 12th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles when he was killed in action near Ypres on Monday 2nd September 1918.
Nieuwkerke (Neuve-Eglise)Churchyard is located 12 Kms south of Ieper town centre, on a road leading from the Kemmelseweg (N331) which connects Ieper to Kemmel and onto Nieuwkerke.
From Ieper town centre the Kemmelseweg is reached via the Rijselsestraat, through the Lille Gate (Rijselpoort) and straight on towards Armentieres (N336). 900 metres after the crossroads is the right hand turning onto the Kemmelseweg (made prominent by a railway level crossing). After passing the village of Kemmel the N331 continues for 4 Kms towards Nieuwkerke. On reaching Nieuwkerke the first right hand turning leads onto Kemmelstraat. The churchyard is located 80 metres along the Kemmelstraat on the left hand side of the road and facing the Market Place.
