Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Clive "Chum" Frederick Walters was born on the 10th of September 1919 in Kensington, SA to Olive May Rosser (1887-1967) and Frederick Charles Walters (1884-1954) as the youngest of four children. His siblings were William Keith Walters (1910-98), Llewellyn Kevin Walters (1914-93), and Norris Charles Walters (1916-2003). As a child, he was given the nickname “Chum” by a family friend, which lasted his entire life (Venables, 2002, pg.505).  Prior to enlisting, Clive worked as a labourer, specializing in printing press. He lived at 17 Dorset Avenue, Colonel Light Gardens, South Australia, while his parents lived in Port Noarlunga (NAA: B883, SX10960; Australian Birth Index). 

On 11th of October 1940, Clive enlisted for the Citizen Military Forces in Keswick, SA. His service number was S29794 and prior to enlisting, he worked as Paint Press Worker in South Australia. On the 17th of January 1941, he was officially discharged after 99 days of service to reenlist in the 2nd AIF (NAA: B884, S29794).

Clive re-enlisted for the 2nd AIF in Adelaide on the 16th January aged 26 years, receiving the service number SX10960 and joined the 8th Division Ammunition Sub Park (1940-45) unit (NAA: B883, SX10960). The 8th Division Ammunition Sub Park unit was formed in July 1940; the outbreak of war with Germany caused the formation of this unit, and they trained in Alice Springs before heading to Singapore (Venables, 2002, p.55). Clive worked as a truck driver in the Australian Imperial Forces (Maddock, 2024). During service, his comrades gave him the nickname “Bible Basher,” which eventually developed into him just being called “Basher” (Venables, 2002, pg.505). 

On the 2nd of November 1941, the 8th Division Ammunition Sub Park departed from the Melbourne Ports aboard the HMAT Zealandia, escorted by the HMAS Adelaide to Singapore. On the 5th, the HMAS Sydney took over the escort to Fremantle. Following a few days in Fremantle, the ships continued their journey to Singapore. On the 17th, an unknown ship was spotted on the horizon, and the HMAS Sydney left escort duties to intercept the ship. Halfway through the journey, the HMAS Sydney is assumed to have received more information regarding the ship, discovering that it was a friendly cargo ship (Venables, 2002, p.48). 

The next day, sailing was smooth. Another ship was spotted, it was the HMS Durban. Before the HMAS Sydney departed escort duties, a ceremonial parade was performed around the HMAT Zealandia, later heading south-west, instead of south-east for Fremantle. Unfortunately, the HMAS Sydney was sunk on the 19th and all lives were lost. The HMAT Zealandia arrived in Singapore on the 20th along with the HMS Durban (Venables, 2002, p.48). 

On the 15th of February 1942, Clive was taken prisoner of war in Singapore by the Japanese along with many of his comrades (Venables, 2002, pg.373). 

On the 8th of May 1943, Clive left the Selerang Barracks for Ban Pong, Siam; it was a five-day journey. He marched from Hintok to Ban Pong, a 157km journey, then returned to Syme Road, Singapore in December. Also, he worked in various Singapore camps throughout his capture (Venables, 2002, p.599 p.605). At some point during his capture, the Japanese tortured him by removing some of his fingers (Maddock, 2024). Clive was recovered from Changi on the 5th of September 1945 (NAA: B883, SX10960). Clive earnt six medals after serving: Australian Service Medal 1939-45, Australian Service Medal 1945-75, 1939-45 Star, Returned from Active Service Badge, Pacific Star, and War Medal 1939-45. 

After serving in the war, Clive had a few hobbies and activities he participated in. He was the timekeeper for the Port Noarlunga and Stansbury Football Clubs and enjoyed talking and learning about the Norwood and Adelaide Football Clubs, “The insides of his garage were covered in newspaper articles about Norwood and its players” (Maddock, 2024). Clive liked to collect various items, such as football cards, football pins, and coins. He enjoyed fishing, especially in Stansbury where he would catch Garfish and Tommy Ruff off the jetty. Also, he married Jean Walters at some point after his service, but did not have any children. He died on the 16th of March 2008 in Christies Downs from various health issues (Maddock, 2024). 
Mateship and perseverance are just some of the ANZAC qualities that Clive demonstrated during his service. When Clive was learning to drive, he made important friendships with his comrades, such as Oscar Jacobs, Len Evans, Harold Amphlett, and Bob Owens. During his time as POW, he had to show perseverance in working hard labour, with shifts ranging from 10-16 hours each. Clive built roads, railways, and worked in camps, only being provided minimal rations (Venables, 2002, pg.505). 
 
 

Bibliography

National Archives of Australia; B884, WALTERS CLIVE FREDERICK : Service Number - S29794 : Date of birth - 10 Sep 1919 : Place of birth - KENSINGTON SA : Place of enlistment - KESWICK SA : Next of Kin - WALTERS FREDERICK, 1939-48.

National Archives of Australia; B883, WALTERS CLIVE FREDERICH : Service Number - SX10960 : Date of birth - 10 Sep 1919 : Place of birth - KENSINGTON SA : Place of enlistment - ADELAIDE SA : Next of Kin - WALTERS FREDERICK, 1939-48.

Maddock, E. (2024) Email to John Maddock, 25 August.

Maddock, E. (2024) Email to Brian Maddock, 24 July.

Venables, M. (2002) From Wayville to Changi and Beyond.

Family Collections.