Clarence Otto Sladden
From Our Contribution
 RSL Virtual Memorial | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | not known 1898 |
| Place of Birth | Leederville, Western Australia |
| Death | 25 Nov 1989, aged 91 |
| Place of Death | Ferndale, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 18 years, 2 months |
| Description |
5'4¼" (1.63m) tall ; 130 lbs 58.967 kg ; fresh complexion ; blue eyes ; dark brown hair |
| Occupation | Carter |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
| Address | Mundijong, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Father , Mr Arthur Sladden |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | 7338 |
| Date of Enlistment | 2 Oct 1916 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit/Formation | 16th Battalion, 24th Reinforcements / 4th Brigade, 4th Division |
| Date of Embarkation | 29 Jan 1917 ‒ 27 Mar 1917 |
| Ship Embarked On | HMAT A28 Miltiades |
| Date of Return | 21 Jun 1919 ‒ 3 Aug 1919 |
| Ship Returned On | SS Königin Luise |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Monument |
Mundijong School Roll of Honour Mundijong Honour Roll ANZAC Memorial Park (Byford) |
| Medals |
British War Medal Victory Medal |
Pre War
War Service
After a month's basic training Clarence was allocated to the 23rd reinforcement draft for the 16th Battalion. However, this was later changed to the 24th draft, and he travelled with them to England aboard HMAT A28 Miltiades which departed Fremantle on 29 Jan 1917 and disembarked its passengers in England on 27 Mar 1917. On arrival Clarence was sent to the 4th Training Battalion at Codford to prepare for deployment to the Western Front, earning appointment as Lance Corporal (15 Jun 1917), before on 9 Jul 1917 proceeding to France through Southampton. On entering France he reverted to Private.
On 27 Jul 1917 Clarence joined the 16th Battalion near Neuve-Eglise, Belgium where the was that day inspected by General Plummer, General Officer Commanding the 2nd British Army. Clarence spent the rest of the war with his unit other than when he enjoyed some leave in France during August 1918.
On 1 Mar 1919 Clarence faced a Field General Court Martial, charged with "Without reasonable excuse allowing a person to escape whom it was his duty to guard". Found guilty he was awarded 30 days Field Punishment No 2. On 24 Apr 1919 he moved back to England from France to begin the return journey to Australia where he was discharged by the 5th Military District on 10 Sep 1919.
Post War
On 25 Apr 1925 Clarence married Emily Frances Hook in West Leederville.[1] Emily died 30 Dec 1992 in Ferndale, aged 91. A son Clarence Edward was born in Victoria Park on 1 Dec 1926.[2]
Electoral Roll entries - 1922 Mundijong, farmer; 1925 at 2 Nicholson street, Balkatta, fireman; 1931 - 1968 at 23 Sussex street, Victoria Park, fireman; 1972 - 1980 at 59a Henry street, East Cannington, retired.