Born in Bunyip, Gippsland, Victoria and a Wool scourer by occupation, Andrew Clarke was 22 years and single when enlisted on the 18th of August 1914 in the 6th Battalion, H Company, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 921. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A20 'Hororata' on the 19th of October 1914. Embarked to join M.E.F. Gallipoli Campaign, Alexandria on the 5th of April 1915; on the 24th of July 1915 admitted to Hospital sick and next day admitted to the 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Station and transferred to Fleet sweeper ringworm, Dardanelles; on the 1st of August 1915 admitted to No. 1 Australian Stationary Hospital Ringworm, Mudros; discharged to Unit, Mudros on the 7th of August 1915 and joined Unit on the 14th of August 1915; admitted to Hospital sick at Lemnos on the 9th of October 1915. Embarked return to Australia per 'Themistocles' ex Portland shell shock on the 8th of May 1916 and Discharged from the 3rd Military District on the 28th of July 1916.