McCLYMONT, Alexander, Cecil and Norman

Alexander, Cecil and Norman were the sons of Norman and Emily McClymont who lived on the property ‘Wandilla’ Warialda NSW. The brothers were members of the Rocky Dam Rifle Club.

Cecil enlisted in January 1915 when he was twenty three years old.  A farewell function was arranged for him by his friends at Rocky Dam during which he was presented with a purse of sovereigns.  He left Australia with the 12th Light Horse B Squadron and served at Gallipoli and in Egypt.  He returned home in December 1917 and was medically discharged the following month. 

Alexander enlisted at Liverpool NSW in August 1915 when he was twenty one.  The Rocky Dam Rifle Club organised a farewell function for him and also gave him a purse of sovereigns. He joined the 1st Light Horse Regiment, 12th Reinforcement and sailed from Australia on HMAT SS Hawkes Bay in October.  He served in Egypt and Palestine where he was killed in action on 31 October 1917 during a charge on Beersheba.  He was buried at Beersheba War Cemetery, Palestine. His personal effects were returned to his Father and included a football jersey, mittens, knee warmers, wrist watch, pipe and fountain pen.

Norman was twenty years old when he enlisted in February 1917. He served with the 7th Light Horse 25th Reinforcement in Egypt until returning home in March 1919. A public Welcome Home function was organised for him at Warialda after his return.

Alexander and Norman McClymont have their names inscribed on the Inverell Honor Roll. At Warialda the names of the three brothers are recorded on the Presbyterian Church Honor Roll and the Warialda War Memorial.

Photo: L to R: Cecil Norman (front) and Alexander Australian War Memorial PO7768.001