The Soldier's Details
- Surname:
- Clay
- First Name:
- John William
- Nick Name:
- Jack (or Silverthorne)
- Rank:
- Private
- Regimental #:
- WX12488
- Company:
- ‘C’ Company
- Enlisted:
- 6.04.1941
- Discharged:
- 10.12.1945
- DOB:
- 9.10.1916
- Place of Birth:
- Fremantle, Western Australia
- Father's Name:
- Unknown
- Mothers's Name:
- Unknown
- Religion:
- Roman Catholic
- Pre-war Occupation:
- Farmhand
- Singapore:
- Selarang Camp and Barracks Changi, Pulan Blakang Mati, Changi Gaol Camp, Kranji Camp Woodlands
- POW#:
- 4/5998
- Return Details 1945:
- Singapore-Darwin‐Sydney, HMT Arawa, Sydney-Melbourne by troop train, Melbourne-Fremantle, HMT Strathmore.
General Description
Jack Clay was one of 9 men from 2/4th who was sent to Pulau Blakang Maki. Please read further
View the video – audio not available – of John Clay’s return to Singapore.
Jack’s birth name was Clarence William Clay. He was born Unmarried Mothers Hospital, Hopetown Road, South Fremantle. He spent his formative years at a private home, with ‘Mrs Richards’ as she was referred to by later family members.
At the age of 14 years, Jack was at Tardun Boys Home, Geraldton. Tardun Farm was established in 1931 and later in 1948 became a hostel for aboriginal children.
Jack Clay married 1940 to Frances Helen Bedford. They had one daughter Ann.
Below, Frances’ father dies while Jack is POW.
Prior to enlisting Jack was living in Fremantle area and employed as a tractor driver.
6 May 1947, at Harvey, Jack legally applied to change his birth name, ‘Clarence William’ to ‘John William Clay’.
After the war he found employment with WAGR and was found to be residing in Marmion Street, Palmyra. They remained here through to 1972 although Frances died suddenly in 1965.
In 1975 Jack remarried Ethel Best.
Jack Clay died in Rockingham in 25 October 1985 aged 69 years.
We wish to acknowledge and thank Stephanie Gregg who provided and confirmed much of the information about Jack Clay.
Stephanie is married to grandson of Jack Clay.
Camp Locations:
- Changi Gaol Camp - Singapore
- Kranji Camp Woodlands - Singapore
- Pulau Blakang Mat - Singapore ***
- Selarang Barracks Changi - Singapore
- Selarang Camp Changi - Singapore
