SPILSBURY, Claude Archibald

Claude was born in the Wellington district NSW to Alexander and Christina Spilsbury. In October 1915, whilst working in the Inverell district, he enlisted at Inverell and went to the Narrabri camp where he was discharged medically unfit in March 1916. Undeterred he enlisted a second time in October 1916 at Dubbo, stating he was a twenty six year old Shearer.

After joining the 3rd Battalion, 23rd Reinforcement he left Australia on HMAT A24 Benalla in November 1916. He went absent without leave for a month in Cape Town, and finally arrived in England in March 1917. Three months later he was sent to France.

Claude was wounded in action in April 1918 and again in August when he was invalided back to England for treatment of a gunshot wound to his leg. After returning to Australia, his sister hosted a ‘Welcome Home’ function at Wellington in March 1919. Claude eventually lived in Sydney until his death in 1979.

Claude Spilsbury’s name is inscribed on the Inverell and Graman Honor Rolls as well as the Wellington NSW memorial.