Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of John Henry and Ida Ellen Cleverdon, of Bollon, Queensland, Australia.

HIS DUTY FEARLESSLY & NOBLY DONE EVER REMEMBERED

John Robert Campbell, Cleverdon, formerly of Bollon, drover, recently member of the A.I.F., who died on war service, personalty £1385.

Last contact with Jack Cleverdon - It was dawn on the morning of 11th June 1945 when we stepped into the landing craft, which was to convey us to shore, for our first assault on the enemy in Borneo.  The small island "Muara" was already being bombed and straffed by our planes, a softening up period before our landing.  Our B Company of which I was a member were detailed to go in first and take up positions, whereby we could give a covering fire whilst A company (of which Jack was a member) landed.  We did this and A Company was able to come ashore.  It so happened that Jack passes right by the position I was occupying and spoke these words, "If I don't see you again 'Keep your big boof head down', I replied hurriedly, "And you liewise and good luck, mate!". I never saw Jack alive again; he was killed on the Limbang Trail, just four days later, the 1th of June.  Jack is now buried on Labuan Island with 9,300 other youn Australians (some, or most of whom were just in their 20's).  Jack himself was only 23.