Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of James and Agnes Buckingham, of Semaphore, South Australia.

Clive Raymond Buckingham - Larrikin Who Loved Life

Clive was the youngest son of James and Agnes Buckingham’s large family of seven, three girls and four boys. He was quite a talented runner; as a 13-year-old he won the 100-yard Schoolboy’s Championship at Semaphore where Foundation Day was a huge week-long celebration for the sea-side towns of Semaphore and surrounds. Besides competitive events, other celebrations included a fancy-dress parade, fireworks, merry-go-round rides and in the evening, buildings were illuminated.

Clive, of all the boys, pushed the boundaries in his youthful years. Aged 22 he was found drunk, charged with resisting arrest and using inappropriate language. The cumulative effect of the three charges was £15/5- ($30.50) with costs. The advice given was that “that seeing it cost him so dearly, it would be as well for him not to touch liquor at all.” It appeared he heeded this advice but within two months Clive was again before the courts for driving a car, unlicensed. While he admitted the offence, Clive’s justification was that he had only driven around the block and that he had “been learning to drive, and was accompanied by a friend who was expert.” This again was a costly exercise of $5.00.

Older brother Syd was protective of his high-spirited brother, Clive. Syd told his children that if he and Clive had a ‘spat’ they would go into the back yard and have a few rounds of boxing before shaking hands. There was never a winner but they were then best of mates as usual.

With the outbreak of war, Clive, aged 32, secretly enlisted on the 20th May, 1940 in the 2/10th Battalion, but did not tell his mother who was terribly upset. To reassure their mother and to keep an eye on Clive, two months later older brother, Syd, aged 35 also enlisted in December but was allocated to the 2/48th Battalion. Both men, however were destined for Egypt. Despite the dangerous conditions, the two managed to get messages to each other and at times to meet up. Having not seen Clive for a few days, Syd requested to go over the hill at Tobruk to catch up on April 21st 1941. The request was refused. Distressingly, the following day Syd was informed that Clive had been killed in action early that morning in the Siege of Tobruk, just 11 months after his enlistment.  A cruel blow. Syd was devastated as the only remains of his brother were of his gold teeth. When their mother, Agnes died in 1949 This high-spirited young man was sorely missed by his Mother and family and local community. They continued to remember him each year. In an added blow to the close-knit siblings, their mother Agnes, died just eight years afterwards on December 29th 1949. Interred with her were the minimal reminders of Clive – his gold teeth. The family continued to remember both Clive and their mother.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Monday 19 May 1941, page 8 BUCKINGHAM. —On the 22nd of April, killed in action. Clive Raymond, fourth son of Mrs. A. Buckingham, of Swan terrace. Semaphore, and loving brother of Cecil, Jim, Sydney (Abroad), Ivy, Violet, Gladys and uncle of Morton. His duty done.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Wednesday 22 April 1942, page 10 BUCKINGHAM. -In memory of Pte. C. R. Buckingham, who was Killed at Tobruk on April 22. 1941. Every white cross tells a story. With number, rank and name. Every mound Is one of glory. For it holds an Anzac's fame. Each fair State a space Is divided In this square of Libyan sand. And undoubtedly decided Fairest square in all the land. Inserted by his brother Syd, 2nd A.I.F. 

BUCKINGHAM. In memory of Clive, who fell In action. Tobruk, April 22, 1941. A beautiful nature, full of kind deeds. A helping hand to all in need. A pleasant smile, a heart of gold. The best pal this world could hold. For ever remembered by his pal. E. Hoare

BUCKINGHAM. In loving and proud remembrance of dear Clive. 2nd 10th Batt. Killed In action at Tobruk April 22 1941 Too far you’re your grave to see. But not too far to think of thee. lnserted by Mr. and Mrs. Hosler and family, Bill. A.I.F- Bob and Jack. AIF abroad.

BUCKINGHAM. On April 22 killed in action at Tobruk. Pte. Clive Raymond, beloved son of Mrs. Buckingham Swan Ter Semaphore, and loving brother of Cecil Sydney, A.I.F. Ivy, Violet, Gladys, and uncle of Morton. Too far away your grave to see, But not too far to think of thee, Hearts that loved never forget, In memory dear Clive, you are with us yet.  Buried in Tobruk Soldiers' Cemetery.

BUCKINGHAM. ln fond memory of Clive who was killed In action at Tobruk on April 22 1941. He shall not grow old as we that are left grow old: age shall not weary him. nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and In the morning we win remember him. lnserted by his brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Lettie.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Thursday 22 April 1943, page 8 BUCKINGHAM. —In loving memory of our dear Clive. who was killed In action at Tobruk April 22, 1941. He like a soldier fell, in a faraway, desert sands, for the glory of his land. Inserted by his loving mother, sisters and brothers.

BUCKINGHAM. In loving memory of Clive, killed in action Tobruk. April 22. 1941. Always unselfish, thoughtful and kind, what a beautiful memory he left behind. —Ever remembered by his pal E. Hoare and family. BUCKINGHAM. In loving memory of Clive, killed at Tobruk April 22. 1941. Each mound holds someone’s sweet heart, each cross some mother's pride for the way her heroes died. Inserted by Syd and Mavis. BUCKINGHAM. In fond memory of Clive, who was killed in action at Tobruk April 22. 1941. Not just today, but every day. in silence we remember. Inserted by Jim and Lettie.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Saturday 22 April 1944, page 10 BUCKINGHAM. In loving memory Clive. killed at Tobruk. April 22. 1941. Best of mates, it’s hard to leave you. In this land, so waste and bare, but fond hearts will never forget you. Inserted by Syd and Mavis.

BUCKINGHAM. Fond memory of Clive, killed In action at Toorak: April 22. 1941. We will always remember. Jim and Lettie.

BUCKINGHAM. In memory of our dear Clive, who was killed in action at Tobruk on April 22, 1941. Silent thoughts bring many a tear, of one we lost and loved so dear. Inserted by his loving mother, sisters and brothers. Semaphore.

BUCKINGHAM. In fond memory of Clive, who fell in Tobruk; April 22, 1941. We cherish still with love sincere, beautiful memories of a pal so dear. forever remembered by E. Hoare and family.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Saturday 21 April 1945, page 14 BUCKINGHAM In memory of dear Clive who was killed in action at Tobruk on April 22. 1941. Your cheery voice and pleasant ways. will linger with us all our days. Inserted by his loving mother, sisters and brothers. Swan terrace. Semaphore BUCKINGHAM. Fond memory of Clive, killed in action at Tobruk. Always remembered. lnserted by brother and sister-in-law. Jim and Lettie.

BUCKINGHAM. In loving memory of Clive. who paid the supreme sacrifice in Tobruk, April 22, 1941. Loving and brave in all his ways; upright and just to the end of his days: sincere and kind in heart and mind. what a beautiful memory to leave behind. Inserted by Syd and Mavis.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Monday 22 April 1946, page 10 BUCKINGHAM. In loving memory of Clive. killed Tobruk, April 22, 1941. Two sincere words, not hard to write, but I’ll remember all my life, my brother. Inserted by Syd and Mavis.

BUCKINGHAM. In loving memory of our dear Clive, who was killed In Tobruk, on April 22. 1941. Time changes many things, memory like Ivy clings. lnserted by his loving mother. sisters and brothers. Swan terrace. Semaphore.

BUCKINGHAM. In memory of Clive. who fell at Tobruk, on April 22, 1941. There's a face that Is always with us, A voice that we long to hear, A smile we will always remember, A memory precious and dear. Ever remembered by his pal E. Hoare, family.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Thursday 22 April 1948, page 8 BUCKINGHAM. In memory of dear Clive, who was killed at Tobruk, April 19, 1942. Always in our hearts and thoughts. Inserted by his loving mother, sister and brothers, Semaphore. B

UCKINGHAM. A tribute of fond memory of Clive, who was killed in action at Tobruk. Your memory is our keepsake. By Jim and Lettie.

BUCKINGHAM. In loving memory of Clive, killed Tobruk, April 22, 1941. Hearts that loved you never forget. Ever remembered by Ned family.

BUCKINGHAM. In loving memory of Clive, killed at Tobruk, April 22, 1941. Time drifts on but we shall never forget. Remembered by Syd. and Mavis.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Friday 22 April 1949, page 18 BUCKINGHAM. Remembrance of our dear Clive, who was killed at Tobruk, April 22, 1941. Too far away to put a flower on your grave, But not too far to think of you always. —Inserted by mother, sister and brother.

BUCKINGHAM. In fondest memory of Clive, who fell at Tobruk, April 22, 1941. Loved in life, honored in death, A beautiful memory he left. Ever remembered by Ned and family.

BUCKINGHAM. In loving memory of Clive, killed at Tobruk, April 22, 1941. Your grave too far away to see, But not too far to think of thee. Ever remembered by his brother Syd and Mavis.

BUCKINGHAM. In memory of Clive, who was killed at Tobruk. Memories, fond and true, From ones who thought a lot of you. Inserted by Jim and Lettie.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Saturday 22 April 1950, page 26 BUCKINGHAM. In loving memory of Clive, killed Tobruk, April 22, 1941. Lest we forget. Inserted by Syd and Mavis.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Monday 23 April 1951, page 16 BUCKINGHAM. In loving memory of Clive, killed In action, Tobruk. April 22. 1941. In our hearts cherished memories are kept. Inserted by Syd and Mavis.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Tuesday 22 April 1952, page 18 BUCKINGHAM. Fond memory of our dear brother Clive, who fell in Tobruk. April 22. 1941. Golden leaves of memory Are gently turned today. Ever remembered by his brothers and sisters.

BUCKINGHAM. Fond memory of Clive, killed at Tobruk. There’s no separation from those we are fond of, no distance can divide; today In memory's garden we walk side by side. Jim and Lettie.

BUCKINGHAM. In loving memory of Clive. killed. Tobruk. April 22, 1941. Lest we forget. Ever remembered. Sid and Mavis.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Wednesday 22 April 1953, page 20 BUCKINGHAM. Fond memory of dear Clive, who fell at Tobruk April 22, 1941. God's greatest gift, remembrance. Sadly missed by his brothers and sisters, Semaphore.

BUCKINGHAM. In loving memory of Clive, killed Tobruk. April 22, 1941. Lest we forget. Always remembered by Syd. Mavis, and family.

BUCKINGHAM. A tribute fond memory of Clive, killed Tobruk. You are with us memory still, not just today, and always will, by Jim and Lettie

 (Adelaide, SA: 1931 - 1954), Thursday 22 April 1954, page 22 BUCKINGHAM. Treasured memories of our dear brother Clive, who fell at Tobruk, April 22 1941. Down the lane of memories, The lights are never dim. Remembered by brothers, sisters, Semaphore.

BUCKINGHAM. Fond memory of Clive, killed at Tobruk. Always remembered. Missed by Jim and Lettie. BUCKINGHAM. In memory of Clive, killed at Tobruk, April 22, 1941. Lest we forget. Remembered by Syd and Mavis.

Researched and submitted by Kaye Lee daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133 2/48th Battalion