Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of William George WELCH and Agnes Anne nee FITZSIMMONS

Newcastle Morning Herald Wednesday, 27 June 1900 p.5

The Youngest Soldier of the Queen
Roy Clayton Welch, 7 Years Old
(above are captions under a pen and ink illustration of a small boy trumpeter in full military uniform mounted on a pony).
"Probably the youngest mounted soldier in the world, and certainly the youngest in Australia is Roy Clayton Welch. Born at Maitland just seven years ago, it was evident he was destined to a life in the saddle even while yet a mere baby. When he was little more than two years old he could ride really well, and when he was two years and eight months old he could canter unaided and quite alone. Roy Welch made his public debut at Maitland, in the showring there, when three and a half years old, when he was decorated with a special ribbon for a remarkable and clever display of pony-riding. Since then he has been awarded no less than fourteen blue ribbons, five of which he annexed in March of the present year. A few months ago this representative young Australian was appointed supernumerary Trumpeter to the Maitland Half-Squadron Lancers, and at the holding of the last Maitland Show took part in that capacity, in the tournament sports. As showing the "stuff" that is in young Roy, he accompanied his troop in their recent touring march of three days' duration, camping at night with the rest, and sharing in the general experience. Everyone will be glad to see a picture of the this youngest "soldier of the Queen", and the writer ventures to say that no one would like an actual photo better than her Majesty the Queen herself."

Insurance Manager
Young in years, energetic, and typical Australian commercial man, Mr. Roy Clayton Welch is one of the best known figures in the insurance world of this State. He is manager of  the Commonwealth Life Assurance Society, Limited, in this State, and under his guidance it has developed into a flourishing concern. Mr. Welch was born in Maitland, New South Wales, and finished his education at the High School in that town. Beginning business life he entered the offices of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, Sydney, of which his father was manager for New South Wales. Later he served a term in a solicitor's office with the idea of qualifying for the legal profession. Believing that his true metier was  business he abandoned law and joined the staff of the People's Prudential Insurance Company, Sydney. He was then only 19 years of age, and when war was declared he enlisted.
Mr. Welch spent his young life among horses and on account of a physical defect he was forced to become a member of the Rough Riders' Unit in stead of the Light Horse  Contingent which left for Egypt. He saw much service in that country and Palestine. Returning to Australia after the Armistice he was made a member of the staff of the  Commonwealth Life Assurance Company and rose rapidly in his calling.
Mr. Welch is much interested in his fellow-diggers, many of whom have received practical help from him. At a social tendered to the general manager of his company on the  occasion of his visit to Adelaide last year, testimony was given by returned soldiers on the staff to the kindnesses received by them at his hands.