Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Clarence known as Clarry, was born at Port Augusta on the 9th October 1923 to Samuel Rule and Mabel Gertrude Lampre. He was the second son and one of seven children with siblings Charles Harold, Doreen, Clifford Samuel, Stanley and Edna. Unfortunately, a further baby, George William born in August 1919 lived for just 8 days. A poignant memorial was placed in the newspapers grieving the loss of their small son. ‘We stood beside him in the hour of death, While he drew his fleeting breath, Sleep on dear baby, sweetly rest, They miss him most who loved him best.’
Early days for the family were challenging as they lived for a time in a tent at Canvastown and it was a struggle to provide for the family. The family moved to several different towns, including Nector Brook, Mambray Creek and Port Germein where the children attended school. Clarry and younger brother, Clifford successfully teamed up to win an under 12-year-old three-legged race at the annual combined sports and picnic of the Baroota, Baroota Whim. Mambray Creek. Wininowie. and Port Germein schools which was held on Mr. W. Spencer's property at Mambray Creek.
Post school, Clarrie worked as a farmhand
With the outbreak of WWII Clarrie’s older brother, Charlie was an early enlistee in June ’40 where he was allocated the number SX7567 and placed in the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. Almost immediately he was sent to serve in the Middle East where the 2/48th came to be regarded as one of the outstanding battalions and Charlie as a highly respected Rat of Tobruk. Clarrie served with the Militia as S71776
In April the following year, 19-year-old Clarrie enlisted and was also placed in the 2/48th Battalion, with the number SX19448. He nominated Samuel, working on the East-West line and based at Tarcoola, as his next of kin. Clarrie then trained at Cowra, where he undertook specific training in Jungle warfare. Whist at Canungra, he was heavily fined for being outside designated limits and without a pass, paying a heavy penalty of being confined to barracks for a whole week.
Within weeks Clarrie was heading to Townsville before serving In New Guinea, arriving in December ’43. Several changes in the battalion with which he was serving over the coming weeks included the 2/28th, 2/4th, 2/12th and 2/6thA brief return to Australia via Queensland in January ’44 allowed him to return home in time for his older brother’s wedding in March ’44. Charlie married Mary Dempsey at St. Cuthbert's Church, Prospect in an evening service on the 4th. His mother, Edna, Cliff, Stan and Clarrie travelled from Port Germein for the wedding. Charlie chose two 2/48th mates as his attendants. They were West Australian Thomas Phelan WX10347 as his best man and Private Clarrie Lampre as his groomsman. The newlyweds were able to have a brief honeymoon on the River Murray.
Clarrie then return to complete the ‘mopping up’ at Tarakan, leaving Cairns and disembarking at Morotai from March ’45 for almost a full year.
On leave in March ’46 Clarrie visited his mother to tell her of his coming engagement to Beryl Rae of Crystal Brook in April. By June the two married in the Crystal Brook Methodist Church at 3 p.m., June 22, just prior to his discharge at the end of August. Clarrie and Beryl lived in Port Germein where both were actively involved in the local community. Beryl was immediately elected as secretary of the newly formed local netball (then called basketball) team and involved in holding a dance in the Port Germein Institute to raise funds for the club.
Mabel and Samuel lived to see both their sons return safely home after the war. Aged 67, he died in August ’52 at the Port Pirie Hospital and was buried in the Port Germein Cemetery. Mabel lived to be 78 and died in September ’73. She now rests with Samuel.
Beryl and Clarrie first welcomed a son, Donald Rodney in January ‘47 followed by a daughter, Betty born in the Port Pirie Maternity Hospital in February, ’49. Jean and Shirley arrived soon after. The new family would often spend time in Crystal Brook or having guests stay at their own home.
Aged 56, Clarrie died on the 30th November ’79. He now rests in the Stirling North Garden Cemetery Port Augusta Section 5 Row N Plot 11. Almost two decades later, 69 year old Beryl died in May ’97 and was buried in the Sea Lake Cemetery, Victoria.
Clarrie’s son, Donald followed his father and uncle by also serving in the army as 4410715 Corporal Lampre, in 102 Field Workshop, during the Vietnam War.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.