Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Clarence Jeffs was the fifth son, one of fourteen children, seven sons and seven daughters, born to Mary Elisabeth and James Daniel Jeffs. His parents were from Northampton, England where James worked at the Islip ironworks. James married Miss Mary Elizabeth Robinson, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Robinson, in 1879 at Slipton, Northumberland. Three years later and just after Christmas on December 31st 1882, the young couple, with their first two children, set sail for South Australia on the ‘Colingrove’, arriving 13 weeks later. Initially they spent a few days at Kilkenny, then went to Manoora where Clarence was born, before moving to Mannanarie in September, 1883.
For the next three years Clarence’s father worked for an uncle (Mr. S. Robinson). In 1886 the growing family then moved to Appila, where Mr. Jeffs daily drove the mail from Appila to Yongala. The family again moved in 1895, this time to Yatina, where Mr. Jeffs took up land, remaining there until 1911, when they moved to Jamestown. There Mr. Jeffs took an active interest in both public and social matters in his community, serving terms as councillor representing South ward, acting in the role of the council's representative on the swimming club committee, being a member of the male voice choir and, like his wife, being a member and active worker in the Methodist Church, and a member of the Church choir. Clarence’s mother, Mary was also an active worker in the Methodist Church.
Clarence and his brother, Henry Richard Jeffs, enlisted on the same day, the 18th of February 1916 and were allocated consecutive numbers, Clarence being 1680 and Henry 1681. Less than 17 months later the two brothers were involved in fighting on April 11th 1917 but fate dealt them two vastly different hands. In a sad twist of fortune, Clarence’s brother, Private Henry Jeffs was awarded the military medal and received a congratulatory card from Major-General Holmes for his courage and coolness in 'battle on April 11, the day Clarence was severely injured and taken prisoner by the German Army. Major and community based newspapers reported:
“Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Jeffs, of Yatina, have been notified that their fifth son, Clarence, who was officially reported as wounded and missing since April 11th has died of wounds while a prisoner of war in Germany, He was born at Yatina 20 years ago, and enlisted on March 6, 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffs have also been informed that another son, Pte. Henry Richard, Jeffs, has been awarded the Military Medal for courage while in battle on April 11. He received a congratulatory card from Major-Gen, Holmes, and has forwarded it to his parents.” from ‘Observer (Adelaide, SA : 1905 - 1931), Saturday 28 July 1917’.
When the family should have been rejoicing in Henry’s award, they were deeply grieving for Clarence, a son they would never again see and a grave they were unable to visit. Each year they inserted memorials under the Heroes of the Great War:
DIED ON ACTIVE SERVICE. Advertiser Saturday 18 August 1917.
JEFFS.-Died whilst prisoner of war, on April 13, Private Clarence Jeffs, 48th Battalion, fifth beloved son of J. D. and M. E. Jeffs, Yatina, aged 20 years 7 months. His duty bravely done.

Advertiser Saturday 13 April 1918
JEFFS.—In loving memory of our dear brother, Private Clarence Jeffs who died of wounds whilst prisoner of war, April 13, 1917.—Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law, A. and H. Ballantyne.
JEFFS.—In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Private Clarence Jeffs, who died of wounds on April 13, 1917.
Far, far from the home of his childhood,
Away o'er the ocean so deep. In a faraway land our dear boy
Is taking his last long sleep. Inserted by his loving father, mother, sisters, and brothers, and brother Henry, on active service.
JEFFS.—In loving memory of our dear brother, Private Clarence Jeffs, died April 13, 1917.
Though death divides, fond memory clings. Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law, K. and A. McKay.
JEFFS.—In loving memory of our dear brother, Clarrie, who died of wounds, April 13, 1917.
We pictured your safe returning,
And longed to clasp your hand,
But God has postponed our meeting;
It will be in a better land. Inserted by his loving sister and brother, Lil and Arch.
JEFFS.—In sad but loving memory of my dear brother. Private C. Jeffs, who died of wounds on April 13, 1917, in Germany. "Duty nobly done." —Inserted by his loving brother, Ted.

Advertiser Tuesday 15 April 1919 and Saturday 12 April 1919,
JEFFS. —In loving memory of our dear brother Private Clarence Jeffs, died of wounds April 13, 1917.
Too far away thy face to see,
Still not too far to think of thee. Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law Kate and Arch.
JEFFS- In loving memory of Private Clarence Jeffs, died of wounds, April 13, 1917. Lest we forget.-Inserted by his loving aunt and uncle, E. A. and G. Robinson, Hornsdale.
JEFFS.-In loving memory- of Private C. Jeffs, who died of wounds on April 13, 1917. When we recall fond memories, dear, Which clings to us from year to year;
Every day in our hearts there is a hungry yearn,
For the soldier boy who'll never return. Inserted by his loving parents, sisters, and brothers, also brother Henry, on active service.

Chronicle Saturday 17 April 1920,
JEFFS.—In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Private Clarence Jeffs, who died of wounds April 13, 1917. To-day brings back sad memories Of one who was called to rest, And those who think of him to-day Are the ones who loved him best. Inserted by his parents, brothers, sisters.
JEFFS.—In loving memory of our dear brother (Clary), who died of wounds in France, April 13, 1917. With many a hero he is sleeping In a honored soldier's grave —Inserted by his brother and sister-in-law, Ern. and Sis

Express and Telegraph, Thursday 13 April 1922,
JEFFS - In loving memory of our brother, Clarence, died in France, April 13, 1917. There is one link death cannot sever, Love and remembrance last forever. Inserted by his sister and brother-in-law, L. and A. Brook.
JEFFS - In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Clarence, who died of wounds April
13, 1917. Somewhere at rest he is sleeping, In a grave we shall not see; ,
May some tender hand in that distant land,
lay flowers on his grave for me. Inserted by his loving parents, brothers, sisters, Yatina.
JEFFS.-In loving memory of our dear brother, Clarence, who died of wounds on April 13, 1917. He gave his life for his country. Honour is more than life. Inserted by his loving brother and sister-in law, Ern and Sis.


Express and Telegraph Friday 13 April 1923,
JEFFS.—In loving memory of our dear brother, Clarence, died April 13, 1917.
Just a sad sweet remembrance, Just a memory fond and true. Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law. Kate and Arch.
JEFFS.—In loving memory of our dear brother, Clarence, who died of Wounds on April
13, 1917.
Too far away, thy grave to see,
But not too far to think of thee. Inserted by Annie and Horace.
JEFFS.—In loving memory of our dear son and brother. Clarence, who died of wounds on
April 13 1917. Deep in our hearts there is a memory of one we shall never forget. Inserted by his parents, and Tom and Edith.
JEFFS.—In loving memory of our dear brother Private Clarence Jeffs who died on April 13. 1917. So sadly missed. Inserted by his loving brother and sister-in-law. Ern and Sis.
JEFFS.—In loving memory of our dear brother, Clarence who died of wounds, 13th April, 1917. Just a memory fond and true, A font of love dear Clarrie, for you. Inserted by his sister and brother-in-law. Gerty and Cyril

Advertiser Friday 13 April 1923,
JEFFS.— ln loving memory of our dear brother, Clarence, died April 13, 1917. Just a sad, sweet remembrance. Just a memory fond and true. Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law, Kate and Arch.
JEFFS - In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Clarence, who died of wounds on April 13, 1917. Too far away, thy grave to see. But not too far to think of thee. —Inserted by Annie and Horace.
JEFFS -—In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Clarence who died of wounds on April 13 1917. Deep in our hearts there is a memory Of one we shall never forget. Inserted by his parents, and Tom and Edith.
JEFFS.—In loving memory of our dear brother. Private Clarence Jeffs who died on April 13. 1917. So sadly missed. Inserted by his loving brother and sister-in-law. Ern and Sis.
JEFFS —In loving memory of our dear brother. Clarence, who died of wounds 13th April, 1317. Just a memory, fond and true, A token of love, dear Clarry for you. Inserted by his sister and brother-in-law Gerty and Cyril.

By 29th of July 1922 in the peaceful sunshine the Yatina Community gathered to construct a lasting memorial to remember those who had given so much in the War to end all Wars. In a poignant tribute by the community, Clarence’s mother, Mary, laid the foundation stone for the Yatina Memorial Hall – a tribute honouring the family and Clarence. The Quorn Mercury on the 4thAugust 1922 reported that “Mrs J D Jeffs laid the foundation stone and thanked the people for the honour they had given her by asking her to perform the ceremony. It was fitting that Mrs Jeff should have honour, as one of her sons made the supreme sacrifice in the Great War. The building opened on 3 October 1922 and reflects credit on the contractor (Mr. J. G. Crowhurst, of Yongala) - and cost £540. The hall was opened free of debt.”
It was later fitting that Mary and James chose the Memorial Hall in which to celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary on April 13, 1929. The local paper records that all children were present; the sons Ern, Henry, Edward, Thomas (of Jamestown). Fred (from Mannanarie), William (from Tarcowie), and the daughters. Mesdames C. Matthews (Port Adelaide).J. English (Peterborough), A. McKay (Yatina), H. Bellantyne (Georgetown), A. Brooks (Orroroo), C. Cummings (hundred Morgan), and Miss V Jeffs (Jamestown). This close knit family and the community continued to remember and hold the memory of 20 year old Clarence in their hearts and lives.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, grand daughter of Blanche and Stan Cummings, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133. Clarence's family was related to the Cummings family.