ROPER, Henry Clive
| Service Number: | NX31941 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 13 June 1940 |
| Last Rank: | Corporal |
| Last Unit: | 2nd/4th Field Regiment |
| Born: | Walcha, New South Wales, Australia, 16 November 1916 |
| Home Town: | Walcha, Walcha, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Orandumby Staiton, Walcha, New South Wales, Australia |
| Occupation: | Clerk |
| Died: | Killed in Action, Milne Bay, New Guinea, 20 October 1943, aged 26 years |
| Cemetery: |
Lae War Cemetery U.B.6 |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Walcha & District War Memorial |
World War 2 Service
| 3 Sep 1939: | Involvement Lieutenant, NX31941 | |
|---|---|---|
| 13 Jun 1940: | Enlisted NX31941, 2nd/3rd Infantry Battalion | |
| 13 Jun 1940: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Lieutenant, NX31941, 2nd/2nd Pioneer Battalion | |
| 16 Feb 1941: | Transferred Australian Army (Post WW2), Corporal, 2nd/4th Field Regiment |
Personal Story
Henry Clive Roper was born to Thomas Roper and Alice Margaret nee Purcell in Walcha NSW on 16 November 1913. Three of his brothers William Thomas Roper NX91989, Frederick John Roper NX137034 and Percy Eric Roper NX122737 the other Three brothers were deemed for "essential service".
The Walcha district saw a long list of Men that enlisted in WW1 and WW2 with Clives' relatives being called to serve their country. His mother was the only girl in the Purcell family of 8. Her 7 brothers enlisted, along with cousins and uncles.
Family members far and wide were proud of Clive and shared good memories and stories about Clive's educational achievements and his future in Cricket.
Clive was attached to the 2/3rd Pioneer Battalion and it is reported he was killed with the 2/4 Pioneer Battalion.
When Clive enlisted he was a Clerk for Mr. E. V. Maguire,
auctioneer, wool and skin buyer.
Clive was single when he enlisted 16/3/1943 he embarked for Australia disembarking at Sydney on 28/2/1943 on 17/3/1943 he married Eileen Ita McDermott better known as Bobbie. 3.8/1943 6.8.1943 succumbed to Milne Bay and was KIA 20/10/1943. Bobbie, no children and she never remarried passing away in 2000.
Submitted 25 April 2025 by Karen Payne
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