MOORE, Clarence Noel

Clarence was one of two sons of John and Martha Moore to serve during World War 1.  His birth was registered at Inverell in 1895. The Moore family lived at Gum Flat, west of Inverell and Clarence attended school there.  He enlisted at Inverell in January 1916 giving his age as twenty and occupation as Labourer.  He and his brother Norman joined other district men to form the Second Contingent of The Kurrajongs who left Inverell together on 29 February for the Narrabri, Armidale and Rutherford camps.

As a member of the 33rd Battalion, Clarence sailed from Australia in September 1916 on HMAT A15 Port Sydney, arriving in England at the end of October.  With his unit he was sent to France in February 1917. During October Clarence was admitted to hospital with a septic foot but rejoined the Battalion after three weeks treatment.  The following April he was gassed and out of action for two months. 

Private Moore was Killed in Action on 1 October 1918 and buried at Unicorn Cemetery, Vend’huille, France.  He had been Lieut Colonel Morshead's runner and was regarded as conscientious, energectic, brave and fearless.  His personal effects, which included a damaged presentation watch, were returned to his father.

At Inverell Clarence has his name inscribed on the town’s Honor roll, Cenotaph and on the Methodist Church Honor Roll. He was one of 215 men for whom a memorial tree was planted in Kurrajong Parade in 1919.

Private Clarence Moore was the last Inverell Kurrajong recruit to be Killed in Action during WW1.