Born in Ballarat, Victoria and a Postal Employee by trade, Eric William Clarkson was 18 years and single when enlisted on the 30th of April 1918 in the 13th General (Victorian) Reinforcements, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 61830. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board SS 'Zealandic' on the 5th of October 1918. Alloted to 22nd Battalion on the 5th of December 1918 and Promoted temporary sergeant on the 1st of April 1919; temporary Sergeant promoted Engineer Sergeant on the 1st of July 1919. On the 23rd of January 1919 admitted to the 1st Australian General Hospital, Sutton Veny, suffering with Pyrexia of unknown origin. Embarked return to Australia per 'Aeneas' ex England on the 22nd of November 1919 for demobilization. Disembarked at Melbourne on the 9th of January 1920 and Discharged from the Australian Imperial Force with the Termination of Period of Enlistment. Tree No. 3620