Sunday, 11 February 2024

36030 Private Clive Leslie Anderson (21/3/1914-17/4/1945). "while prisoner of war"

Clive Leslie Anderson was captured in 1942 in North Africa - about the time his Battalion - 22nd - took part in the defence of Ruweisat Ridge. He was initially kept prisoner in Italy, then moved to Stalag 4b in Germany - as were many prisoners after the 1943 surrender of Italian forces.

The camp was liberated in April, 1945, by Soviet forces and Clive is listed as having been killed in an air raid at about that time.  It is reasonable to assume that it was an accident on the part of Russian forces.  The Luftwaffe had few aircraft in the air at the time.


For the Empire’s Cause.

ANDERSON. - On April 17, 1945, at Stalag IV. B, Germany, died of wounds while prisoner of war following air raid, Clive Leslie, younger son of Bruce and Annie A. Anderson, 14 Norman by street, Musselburgh. Deeply regretted.   -Evening Star, 15/6/1945.


TO THOSE WHO FELL

MEMORIAL WINDOW DEDICATED 

CEREMONY AT HOLY CROSS CHURCH 

A ceremony of the dedication of a memorial window, which commemorates the supreme sacrifice made by four members of the Holy Cross Church, St. Kilda, who fought in the Second World War, took place last Sunday. The window, which was dedicated by the Rev. L. D. Groves, has been erected in the baptistery of the church. It was designed by Mr J. W. Brock, and is a half-circle in shape. The subject is our Divine Lord blessing little children. The figure of the Christ is seated in the centre, and there are a number of little children around Him. The subject is well placed and balanced. Our Lord is dressed in rich ruby-coloured robes, with a gold-and-silver overdress, and has His hand on the head of one of the children, and he looks towards a mother who is kneeling apart and dressed in beautiful varied purple. The foreground has a floral motif, and the surrounds are of a natural landscape. The whole scene is surrounded by a leaf border, and is in silver and gold. 

The window is a very beautiful picture in stained glass, and is in keeping with the inferior of the church. A brass tablet below the window is inscribed as follows:

TO THE GLORY OF GOD. 

In gratitude for their honourable sacrifice, this window was dedicated in memory of 

Private Clive Leslie Anderson.

Driver Leslie Haydn Belcher. 

Sergeant-observer Duncan Luin Todd.

Flying-officer John Gibson Webb. 

Faithfully serving their King and country in the World War of 1939-1945, they gave their lives in the cause of freedom and honour.

“Their name liveth evermore.”  -Evening Star, 15/2/1946.


Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

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