The second son of the Skellys of Crookwell to die in active service, Clyde, was killed in action in New Guinea early on the Sunday morning, November 8, 1942.
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The death of his brother, Bert, on October 18, 20 days prior, has already been recorded in this journal.
Clyde was an enthusiastic sportsman and for many years competed successfully at tennis, cricket and hockey, and was always regarded as a clean and fair player by his peers.
Clyde was the eldest in a family of 11 and learned early the discipline needed for the task of raising his younger brothers and sisters.
He maintained this unselfishness through his army career.
He was constantly in demand locally for seasonal employment and was widely respected by the many he had worked for.
In a letter sent after his death, his platoon commander wrote, “Clyde died exactly as did Bert, 20 days earlier, doing his duty bravely to the end.
“He was operating a machine gun. The enemy had advanced two hours earlier than expected.
“Clyde was killed instantaneously.
“He was buried with full rights of his church just where he had fell and so passes with his brother, Bert, two men of whom we were very proud, and mourned by every member of the battalion.”
We Will Remember Them