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Born at Cowell on the 19th April, 1919 to Percival Carrington and Laura Cleave, Percival Joseph had three siblings, Beryl, George and Laurel. While named after his father, Percival was always known as ‘Mick’. He grew up at Mangalo on the west coast of South Australia, an area surrounded by productive grain farms. All four children attended the local Mangalo school where Mick became close friends with Frank Munday, a friendship that was to last their lifetimes.
Both boys enjoyed their football, playing for Rovers in the local competition where the two proved to be a dynamic forward pair. Similarly, both played cricket with both being selected in the Mangalo Representative team playing at Utera in ’39.
Post school Mick became a farm labourer and was a popular local. He celebrated his 21st birthday with a surprise party with friends from Cowell and Elbow Hill being entertained at the Mangalo Hall in April. Dancing, speeches and a much-appreciated combined gift were highlights of the evening. Soon after, however, early in June ’40 he and Frank Munday plus Roy Hannemann, also from Mangalo travelled to Adelaide to enlist. All successfully passed their medicals, before heading in to camp at the end of the month. Mick became SX662, Frank SX6672 and Roy SX6661. Roy’s service was with the Army Canteen Service and the other two were allocated to the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. Their initial days were spent in the cold of the Pavilions, now part of the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds before the new enlistees headed to Woodside for their preliminary training. Unfortunately, Mick contracted measles so returned home to recuperate before returning to join his new Battalion.
The following week both Mick and Frank were jointly farewelled at the Mangalo Hall. Typically, dancing, singing and supper were highlights before the President of the Red Cross and Comforts Fund congratulated the young men’s families on ‘the sound foundation of life they have set the boys’ before prophetically adding that ‘He expressed sympathy with the parents at a time like this but said that he was sure that honour exceeded sorrow.’ Their positive contribution while school students was also noted before they were wished the best of luck and a safe return. Both young soldiers were then presented with a parcel of woollies and fountain pen from the Mangalo folk. The Cowell Cheer Up Society also organised a farewell social for the friends an event attended by over 350 people. This followed a sports afternoon and fancy-dress football match, followed by a procession of soldiers home on leave. That evening the two friends plus Mick and Jack Stening were also farewelled. (Mick was SX7406 with the 2/28th Battalion and Jack SX7310 with the 32nd Infantry Battalion.) All four were escorted through a guard of honour before speeches were given, praising them for their ‘splendid physical appearance’. Mick and Frank were singled out for being ‘straight and honest lads in their dealing.’ The four young men then were presented with an inscribed wrist watch before each publicly thanked those in attendance. Following this pre-embarkation leave, the 2/48th contingent embarked on the Stratheden for the Middle East, on the 7th November 1940 arriving in the Middle East on January 3rd, ‘41.
From the healthy life on the West Coast, much more primitive conditions were experienced with Mick soon contracted enteritis, then dysentery, requiring hospitalisation. His contempt for Hitler was evident in a missive sent to his parents and re-published in the Eyre’s Peninsula Tribune of April ’41. Mick instructs readers to read every other line when finished to find the ‘real’ confession:
' I, Adolf Hitler, on this, my deathbed, am suffering bravely great pain. I wish to make it Known to all that I’m not as the ancient King Herod was, a murderer of women and children, I have no sympathy for the Poles, who have fought and lost a useless war, I’ve worked in the interests of, and not against humanity I've used my people for the welfare of the Fatherland — not for my own ends. I've proven myself a true leader and found Josef Stalin to be a madman a thief and a liar. I am amused at the Polish nation, who underestimated the courage of the brave German soldiers. I also laugh at the British and French peoples, who endeavoured to resist the Germans, who fought so valiantly and were unafraid. I feel myself slipping away slowly. I now bid you my last farewell. I am still of the Opinion that the French arc going to Hell where the British will go. Heaven's in sight, where my people sent me. Auf Wiedersehen!
ADOLF The Truthful.’
As an addendum, Mick also thanked both the Red Cross and Comfort Funds for the parcels he had received.
Much like the taunt of being Desert Rats, other propaganda was also ineffectively aimed at the troops – having quite the opposite effect. Mick sent a pamphlet home which was then printed in both the Laura Standard and Eyre’s Peninsula Tribune in August ’41. It had been dropped by German planes flying over the Allied Troops in the Middle East:
‘" Aussies, After Crete disaster Anzac troops are now being ruthlessly sacrificed by England in Tobruk and Syria, Turkey has concluded pact of friendship with Germany. England will shortly be driven out of the Mediterranean Offensive from Egypt to relieve you totally smashed; You cannot escape. Our dive bombers are waiting to sink your transports. Think of your future and your people at home. Come forward — show white flags and you will be out of danger. SURRENDER! Pte Cleave added: — " A present from Hitler sent to us and I am sending it on to you as a souvenir. He must think we are soft, but will learn different before we finish with him. We saw them coming down one evening and thought a whirlwind must have blown the paper in the air, but Hitler found we took no notice of bombs so tried paper. The cheek of the younger generation."

In September Mick had a further letter published, illustrating the importance of communication from home. He wrote that he “wishes to thank Misses Joyce Bartel, Sheila and Ina Jacobs and Mrs Roy Smith of the Miltalie Patriotic Circle for letters, and also a canteen order he has received from them. He also said that he would answer them when he received more paper and envelopes and also when he had more time.” He then added "I have Frank Munday here with me now in Jack Golding's section. Its great having a Mangalo lad with me as we can talk over old times at home, matter of fact one thinks he is home for a while. Max Spriggs is also here and Bill Harvey from Crettenden's, The weather is still very hot and the flies and fleas are rotten. The fleas don't bite me they just crawl to annoy me. I received my cake alright and it was lovely and moist and extra good. A chap's as pleased with a parcel as he is with £5 in Aussie so you can see how we appreciate them. The hottest of the weather is about over I think and this month should just about see the summer out, thank goodness. The last four days we have been able to have a swim and its extra good believe me. I think the whole show will be over by Xmas this year, or at least we hope so, Things have been very quiet here just an argument occasionally. We have seen bombs exploding. They look quite good bursting of a night time not so good if you are near though. We often have imaginary meals here. Hot toast with plenty of vegetables, followed by a steam pudding covered with cream and top up with a couple of pieces of blackberry jam and cream an inch thick. We are lucky being able to get bread here and it's quite good too considering the heat and dust we sometimes get. It would be tough living on army biscuits as they are as hard as the 'hobs of hell.' One lot of bread was not so good and would have made good armour plate. The other night I saw Jack Zerna, the first of the locals I have met. Jack was only talking for about 10 minutes, but let me know where all the other boys were and how they are. I had often wondered where Gilbert Ward was. Frank is O.K. and wishes to be remembered to you all. He and I are talking of buying that Bacon Factory they are talking of building Remember me to all and tell them I'm still good for any 10 Fritz and we are all feeling fine." This shared dream of the two friends was sadly never to come to fruition.

Amongst the fighting and conditions of warfare, Mick had some precious leave which he shared with Frank. He wrote extensively of this to his parents who again shared his observations through the local paper in February ’42:
" Well, seeing it's Sunday afternoon I thought I had better catch up some of mv mail. The proof you sent of mum and dad, Beryl, was extra and I am anxious to get the photo. It is just what I've been wanting — a good snap of you two, I did not write through the week as I was not home. Frank and I were on a conduct tour for three days' sightseeing. I took eight films of snaps so should have some to send home when I receive them back. We left Wednesday morning, travelling as far as Haifa where we spent half a day. There were four of us who hailed a taxi and spent a couple of hours sightseeing all over Mt Carmel, and believe me, it is a sight, It is just like an arial view looking down from the top Over to one side is the town and most of the buildings are white so they show up beautifully, with the sea as a background, I took several snaps of the town to try and give you an idea of the place and also of some of the very modern buildings. We had dinner and tea there and camped out of the town for the night. The next morning our cooks provided breakfast for us and we were on the road for Nazareth by half past eight. The drive is really marvellous and it is through very high hills all of the way, with the exception of a few small plains. The first, being the plain where every nation of the world has fought at some time or other. It is a very rich and fertile flat — very dark soil of which the Jews have every inch under cultivation. There are some wonderful vegetable gardens also along the road. We arrived in Nazareth at about eleven o'clock, but before going down to the town from the hills the buses stopped to enable us to take some photos of the place as we had a marvellous view of the whole town. After dinner a guide took us to the old churches which have been there for years and years. The present church is the fourth that has been built and it has been built over the floor of the old one. Under that is the real old one which is below ground level — more or less in a cave. The guide showed us through with a lantern, and by heavens they are old and quaint. We saw the place where Joseph had his carpenter shop, and also his tomb in one of the old buildings, Outside the church are old relics of the first church, centuries past. Old stone pillars and so forth. We also had a look through the Catholic Church which has been there for ages. It is very beautiful inside and there are women looking after the church so that no one is able to enter until the doors are opened from the inside. We signed our names in the visitors' book they keep, so I guess they will be there for a few hundred years to come. We did not have time to have a good look round the whole town but saw the biggest part of it from the hills. We left there at two o'clock and made for Tiberias and the Sea of Gallilee; still travelling through fairly high country, mostly of which was under cultivation and all good ground The hills are all fairly bare and rocky and the roads are very winding with up hill climbs and steep down grades. Approaching Tiberias is a lovely sight, for the first thing one sees is the Sea of Gallilee some hundreds of feet down — four hundred feet below sea level and we were on high hills which surround the sea. It looks like a huge lake with scarcely a ripple on it and with the brown bare hills behind, It sure was an eye opener. The town is not very large and the people are a mixture of Jew, Arab, and a few other nationalities. Had a meal at the British cafe and then went for a drive around the east end of the sea (which is fresh water by the way). Went around as far as Capernaum to view the ruins of the old church. There is not very much left of the place but one can see there has been some fine old buildings there. Some huge stones have wonderful carvings on them and when hit, ring like crystal — sharp and clear. We also saw the old stones used for crushing corn. They are very crude and would be a slow job. Had a row on the sea, just off the town, so can say I have been on the Sea of Gallilee. Booked at the Hotel Tara for the night and it was good to be in a soft bed, between white sheets, I can tell you. The next morning we proceeded to Jerusalem, passing the hot spring by the Sea of Gallilee, thence crossing the Jordan and following it for a while. The hills are so high and the road winds up and down the hills — it is marvellous. In patches the buses, changed to bottom gear, and they have four. If our snaps come out you will see what they are like. Had only a few hours in Jerusalem but didn't go to the old city as it takes too long to see everything. What we saw was very nice and fairly clean, but the old city is very dirty and filthy. Nevertheless, I hope to get leave to see it before I leave for Aussie, whenever that might be. The streets are not very wide and the traffic is fairly thick so things are pretty busy. While we were there they had a practice air - alarm in order to see how quickly the civilians could clear the streets, and believe me the shops were shut and the streets cleared in a very short time. There is a very steep climb out from Jerusalem and the road has a patch of corners they call the Seven Sisters. Seven sharp corners run in a zig zag fashion up the hill, which is followed by a long downhill run for several miles towards home. We arrived back just after dark after having a champion trip and one I will never forget. Home, by the way is the camp. It is always referred to as 'home' amongst ourselves. You must have bad a pretty good time in Cowell during the week-end. I would like a go at the fish and crabs myself. By the way Frank will be speaking over the air one of these nights, I hope you hear him. They wanted seven to speak from the platoon so drew them from a hat; I missed, but Frank will do. He is putting in a good word for all of us. Hoping you are all well, as I am extra myself and do not worry over the little yellow Japs — they are harmless. "
Mick’s bout of gastroenteritis returned in July but did not preclude him from being promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal in August ’42. Conditions at the time were ever-changing and the fighting continuous. Montgomery had ordered the 9th Battalion to attack northward in what was to be relentless fighting in in a massive assault to ambitiously take the strategic position of Trig 29.
John Glenn describes the carnage.
‘The attack continued, however, without pause…it was only after hard fighting, with heavy casualties on both sides, that they were able to consolidate on their objective. The troops had never been more tired.. The 2/48th had stirred up a real hornets’ nest; from first light until nine o’clock the enemy turned all their fury on the Trig area, with particularly heavy fire on 29 itself, hiding the position in a cloud of dust and smoke.’
A strongpost had to be taken before Trig 29 could be reached. Kenneth Slessor writing for the Advertiser wrote an article published in March ’43. In that action both Private Percy Gratwick and Sgt Bill Kibby both from the 2/48th Battalion, earned a Victoria Cross. ‘No 7 platoon with 20 men under Lt. Colin Taggart, was given the job. They set off in three sections. Cpl. Bart Lindsay from South Australia, in charge of number one, on the left. Cpl. Mick Cleave, from West Coast of South Australia in charge of number two, on the right. Taggart between the two sections leading, with Sgt. Alf Meyer from Renmark, just behind, and Sgt. Harry Lock, also from Renmark, bringing up the rear, in charge of number three section. "The moment we crossed the sky-line we got belted with everything - mortars, Spandaus and later on, grenades," said Dillon. It was under these horrific conditions that Mick sustained his fatal injuries. The subsequent action meant that the survivors of the ensuing fighting were not always able to immediately retrieve their fallen men.
Soon after, he was initially reported as being wounded in action with abdominal wounds early in November but this was later corrected to announce his death from those wounds sustained during the fighting with his death listed as the 29th October ’42.
Just a week earlier the community had been distressed to learn the fate of close friend Frank, announced in the Eyre's Peninsula Tribune of November 5th ’42. “Sincere regret was expressed when it was learned that another Franklin Harbour lad had made the supreme sacrifice. On -Monday Mr and Mrs W. F. Munday of Salt Creek, were advised that their elder son, Frank, had died of wounds whilst on active service abroad. Deceased was born at Port Pirie 24 years ago, and enlisted in June 1940 and sailed for overseas on Good Friday, 1941. He saw service in Tobruk, Syria and Egypt. He lived with his parents at Mangalo and Salt Creek where he was held in high esteem. General sympathy is felt for the members of the bereaved family.”
Within a week the Eyre's Peninsula Tribune was again reporting devastating news that Frank’s childhood friend Mick Cleave had also died of injuries just days after Frank. “The Franklin Harbour district has suffered still another casualty caused through the war. On Friday, Mr and Mrs P. C. Cleave, of Mangalo, ware advised that their son, Lance Corporal Percival James (Mick) Cleave, had died of wounds whilst on active service abroad. Deceased was 23 years of age and enlisted in June 1940 and sailed for overseas in November, He was in Tobruk for nine months and then returned to Syria. He was a very popular lad at Mangalo and took an active part in all kinds of sport. He was born in the district and received bis education at the Mangalo school, The deepest sympathy goes out to Mr and Mrs Cleave and family in their sad loss. It was a sad coincidence that his comrade, Pte Frank Munday, was killed at the same time. These two lads had been bosom friends since boyhood. They went to school together, went about together and enlisted together. Heartfelt sympathy is felt for the bereaved parents.”
Others who died of injuries with him include those from the 2/7th 2/13th, 2/15th, 2/17th, 2/23rd, as well as 22-year-old Private Tom Mewett, SX12890 from Kersbrook and 26-year-old Lt Basil Shepard SX12500 from Colonel Light Gardens, both from Mick’s 2/48th Battalion. Initially Mick was buried in the field but was later re-buried at the El Alamein War Cemetery on the 19th March, 1945. He is resting in Plot A II Row J Grave 24. His parents chose the inscription ‘At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we remember.’
With peace finally declared, communities tried to resume regular activities. At a Cricket association dinner in May 46, two minutes’ silence was held in memory of the two friends, Mick and Frank as well as Tom Northcott and 24 year old Clyde Ramsey, SX13905.
The Cleave and Munday families were united in their grief, each remembering the loss of their own son and also of the other family’s. Fellow soldiers, including Harry Lock who was with Mick when he was fatally wounded, also remembered their friends.
November 1942, MR AND MRS P. C. CLEAVE and family, of Mangalo, wish to sincerely thank all kind friends and relatives for letters, cards, telegrams, and personal expressions of sympathy in their recent sad bereavement in the loss of their beloved-son and brother L/Cpl. "Mick" Cleave, of 2/48 Batt. CLEAVE. —Died of wounds In Egypt. Oct. 29. L-Cpl Percival J. (Mick). dearly loved elder son of Mr. and Mrs. P. C. Cleave and brother of Beryl, George and Laurel of Mangalo, via Cowell, aged 23 years. Greater love hath no man. CLEAVE. —Killed In action, Egypt. P. - J. ("Mick"), eldest son of Mr.-Mrs. F. C. Cleave, Mangalo.—Auntie. Babe and uncle Will. Adelaide. _CLEAVE. —A tribute of love and respect to the memory or Mick, killed in Egypt. —inserted by Uncle Arthur. Salisbury.
October 1943, CLEAVE —MUNDAY. —In memory of our pals P. J (Mick) Cleave and Frank (Doc) Munday, and officers and men who lost their lives at El Alamein. —Inserted by Pte. H. R. Allen (Mick) and S. I Crowell. CLEAVE— MUNDAY— In sad but loving memory of our dear son and brother "Mick." A/Coy., 2/48 Batt., who died of wounds at El Alamein, October 29th 1942, also Frank Munday, who died on October 25th, 1942. To live in the hearts of those who are left behind, is not to die. — Sadly missed by his parents, sisters and brother. CLEAVE, Cpl. P. J. — A tribute to the memory of our pal "Mick," who died of wounds at El Alamein, on October 29th, 1942. — Ever remembered by Ina and Bob Padgham. CLEAVE. —In memory of Mick, died of wounds. October 29. 1942. at El Alamein. Always remembered by Auntie Babe and Uncle Will. Toorak Gardens. CLEAVE, Cpl. P. J.—Cherished memories of our darling son Mick, who died of wounds at El Alamein. October 29. 1942.—Sadly and lovingly remembered by mum and dad. CLEAVE. CpL P.—ln sad but loving memory of our dear brother, Mick, who died of wounds at El Alamein, October I 29. 1942.—Ever remembered by his loving sisters Beryl and Laurel, and brother George.
November 1944 CLEAVE. — In loving memory of our son and brother, Cpl P, J. (Mick) Cleave, who died of wounds at El Alamein, on October 29th, 1942, —Ever remembered by mother, father Beryl, Laurel and George. CLEAVE -In loving memory of our dear friend Mick 2/48th Batt who died of wounds at El Alamein, 29th October, 1942. —Ever remembered by the Munday family. CLEAVE. — In loving memory of Cpl. P. J. (Mick) Cleave, who died of wounds received at El Alamein, Oct. 29, 1942. Silent thoughts bring many a tear, of our boy we loved and held so dear; time wears away the edge of grief, but memory turns back every leaf. — Ever remembered by mum, dad, George, Beryl, and Laurel. CLEAVE, LIPSON. —In memory of my pals, Mick and Eric, killed in action, El Alamein, 1942. —Always remembered by Lieut. Harry Lock. A tribute to boys 2/48th who fell at El Alamein. —Inserted by Bill (Wog) Miller. In loving memory of our pals of the 2/46th Bn. who gave their lives at El Alamein, October 23-31, 1942. Tom McMullin, Eric Lipson, Mick Cleave, Harold Pearce and Sgt. Myers. —Ever remembered by Algy, Ike and Hank. In memory of the boys of 2/48th Bn, who gave their lives at El Alamein between October 23-31, 1942. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them. —Inserted by Jack Rollbusch, late A Coy., 2/48th Bn. CLEAVE, Cpl. P. J. (Mick), 2/48th Batt. —In loving memory of my darling brother, died of wounds October 29, 1942, El Alamein. Not just today, but every day, in silence I remember. Sadly missed by his sister Beryl.
November 1945, CLEAVE— MUND AY— In loving memory of our dear son and brother Mick, also friend Frank, who lost their lives in the battle of El Alamein, on October 26th and 29th, 1942. Lost from sight, but never from memory —Inserted' by Mr and. Mrs Cleave and family. MUNDAY— CLEAVE— In loving memory of our dear son and brother Frank, and friend Mick who died of wounds at El Alamein on October 26th and 29th, 1942, —Always remembered by Mr and Mrs Munday and family. CLEAVE. — In loving memory of Mick. Cpl P. J. Cleave, died of wounds, October 29, 1942, El Alamein. Loved, lost, longed for always. — Mum. dad. Beryl, George and Laurel. LIPSON —CLEAVE.—In fond memory of my two pals. Eric and Mick, killed El Alamein. 1942.—Ever remembered. Leut. Harry Lock AIF. Borneo.
October 1946, CLEAVE— In loving memory of L/Cpl P. J. Cleave, died of wounds in the Battle of El Alamein, 29th October, 1942. Not only today, but every day, we remember you —Inserted by his loving mother, father, sisters and brother. A TRIBUTE to the memory of our friend, Pte G. F. Munday, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein on 25th of October, 1942 —Ever remembered' by the Cleave family of Mangalo. MUNDAY— In loving memory of our dear son and brother G. F. (Doc) Munday. SX6672 2/48 Batt. Died of wounds at El Alamein. —Ever remembered by his mother, father, sisters and brother. A TRIBUTE to the memory of Cpl P. J. Cleave, 2/48h Batt, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein, October 30th, 1942. —Ever remembered by the Munday family.
October 1947, CLE AVE— In loving memory of our dear son and brother, L/Cp P J : Cleave, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein 29th October. 1942 We will remember. When the rest of the world forgets. —Remembered by mother, father, sisters and brother MUNDAY— In loving memory of a friend, Frank Munday, 2/48th Batt., who made' the supreme sacrifice. 1942 Greater love hath no man —Ever remembered by the Cleave family. CLEAVE A tribute to the memory of P J (Mick Cleave, ,2/48 Batt., killed at El Alamein, 1942 ' Greater sacrifice can no man make Inserted by Mr and Mrs Munday, and family.
November 1948, MUNDAY — In memory of our dear friend; Private G. F. Munday, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein, 26th October, 1942. —Ever remembered by the Cleave family. CLEAVE— In loving memory of our son and brother, Lance Corporal P. J Cleave died. of wounds, El Alamein, 29th October 1942; God shall link the broken chain, As one by one we meet again. —Inserted by mother, father, sisters and brother. CLEAVE — A tribute to the memory of P.J (Mick) Cleave, 2/48 . Btn, killed at El Alamein, October 29th, 1942. Greater sacrifice can no man make -—Inserted by Mr and Mrs Munday and family.

Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes, SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.