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Claude Deane - Information

Restrevor on Claffle Hill in Campbelltown, was the family home of Claude Deane. Claude was still living in Campbelltown when the war started, working as a clerk. Claude witnessed many of his family and friends leaving for war service, and the impact it had on the community. When he was old enough, he enlisted in the AIF at Redfern on the 18th of June 1918, aged 18. Claude trained with A Company of a Composite Battalion, before becoming a member of the NSW Reinforcements. He then departed Sydney in September 1918 on the HMAT Bakara.

Claude arrived in London on the 14th of November just three days after the Armistice. Amongst the cheering crowds in the streets, he was marched out to Camp where he was allotted to the 1st Battalion. In January 1919, Claude put his paperwork skills to use, stationed as a record clerk to the Record Section at the AIF Record Office in London. He was then appointed Acting Sergeant on the 28th of May 1919, before returning to Australia.

After he returned home, Claude lived in Wollongong and got married, he and his bride then moved to Terranora near Tweed River. During the Second World War, Claude decided to enlist in the army again, signing on the 14th of October 1940. After enlisting, Claude became a Lieutenant and was stationed to Cowra and Liverpool Camps amongst others. Sadly, on the 1st of July 1945, Claude was killed when the staff car he was driving turned over. He died instantly and was buried in Armidale.