Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Hilton Arthur and Sylvia Clothier, of Hazelbrook, New South Wales, Australia.

AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN AND IN THE MORNING WE REMEMBER

Sgt.-Pilot G. H. Clothier 
Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Clothier, of "Hazelbrook," A.C.T., have received word that their second son, Sgt.-Pilot Grahame Hilton Clothier, R.A.A.F., has been killed on active service at North Anston, Sheffield (Eng.). Sgt.-Pilot Clothier was born in the Canberra district, educated at Queanbeyan and Canberra High Schools and at the Canberra University College.  Prior to his enlistment, he was employed by the Department of the Interior. He enlisted In June, 1940, and left Australia early this year for the United States and England. He was one of  three brothers serving with the forces.

MEMORIAL TABLET
UNVEILED
AT HIGH SCHOOL
A simple but impressive service took place at the Canberra High School yesterday when Col. J. T. H. Goodwin unveiled a tablet in the entrance hall in memory of Graham Hilton Clothier, R.A.A.F., who was killed in action in England in September, 1942. Mr. C. S. Daley, representing the Minister for the Interior, said that the ceremony established school his tory for the Canberra High School. Mr. and Mrs. Clothier had donated the tablet in memory of their son, an ex-student, who paid the supreme sacrifice. It was fitting that the tablet should take a place in his school.
While deepest sympathy was extended to the relatives, it was with a spirit of pride that the ceremony was performed. The Headmaster (Mr. A. D. Watson), said that pupils would remember on assembly occasions to pay tribute to the students who paid the supreme sacrifice. Graham Clothier was one of the first ex-students and was in fifth year when the  new school was occupied. He gained the Leaving Certificate with credit. He answered the call of his country and went overseas with the R.A.A.F. His death occurred during the  time of the nation's grave peril. The High School record was a proud one Wherever Australia fought, ex-students were with them, and more than a score had lost their lives. To  the children who occupied the seats of those who had gone, they left a tradition to carry on. He was sure that, when the occasion came, they would be worthy of the occasion. Col. Goodwin said that Graham Clothier was a grand athlete and a worthy student. He had acquitted himself with honour and set an example to the school. He fought that Australians might enjoy the privileges which each had a right to. He hoped that the new assembly hall would commemorate the memory of all students who fought.
The tablet was dedicated by Rev. W. M. Holliday, Queanbeyan. Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Clothier and family were present. Mr. Clothier thanked the school authorities, the Department of  the Interior, and those who made the installation of the tablet possible.

Grahame Hilton CLOTHIER was born in Queanbeyan, NSW on 29th April, 1922

His parents were Hilton Arthur CLOTHIER & Sylvia PAYNE

He enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force on 21st June, 1941

Grahame was killed in a Training Accident over Doncaster in England on 27th September, 1942 and is buried in the Doncaster (Rose Hill) Cemetery

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His father Hilton Arthur CLOTHIER served during WW1 with the 9th Field Company Engineers - returned to Australia in 1919

Two of his brothers also served during WW2

1. Geoffrey Thomas CLOTHIER (S7375) Army - 9th Infantry Training Battalion - discharged 18.9.1942)

He then re-enlisted (N319522) in the Royal Australian Navy where he was a Cook - discharged 16th August, 1946

2. Raphael Corrie CLOTHIER (20871) Royal Australian Air Force - 2 Personnel Depot - discharged 19th December, 1945