Possible Clues:

• Poor leaders in his August papers — like every silly season?
• Having no luck at all
• Deserving of pity
• Unlucky — he slaps (anag)
• Unfortunate fellow caught leaving front? Not so
• Like a bumbler
• Unfortunate student in poor shape finishes at last
• Very unlucky
• Doctor helps to restrain a second unfortunate
• More than unlucky