Our very own WW11 wireless op / air gunner veteran and former resident of North Arm Cove (NAC), Jim Clayton, is reaching the milestone of 100 years of age!
Jim was born on 19 April 1923. Formerly of Cove Boulevarde until earlier this year when, due to mobility issues, he became a resident of Estia in Tea Gardens. He is a much loved character who, along with his late wife Lal Clayton, were involved in numerous community activities for many years.
A great link on YouTube (April 2016):Avro Lancaster Bomber WWII Story - Jim Clayton RAAF RAF
Jim’s daughter, Lee Clayton, has kindly supplied the following bio:
Where were you born?
Carlton, NSW to James Henry Clayton and Isabella Clayton (née Leisk) who was a Scottish woman from Leith. My siblings: Jean, Jack and Ron.
What was your service called at the time you served?
When I turned 18 in 1941, I volunteered for RAAF. I was awaiting orders when the Commonwealth Government called me up for military service. I spent three months with them (Wireless/ Signals). I then applied for AIF and was transferred to Toowoomba on a commando service.
One morning on a parade prior to leaving for Townsville and New Guinea, I was pulled out of ranks and was told the Air Force wanted me. They were losing so many men overseas they needed all the men they could get - Air Force got priority. I was nearly 20 when I started air crew training as a wireless operator.
Where did you serve? (countries or more specific locations):
I flew from two UK bases while serving with No. 218 Squadron:
Methwold 1944
Sep 6 sorties
October 7 sorties
November 5 sorties
Chedburgh
December 6 sorties
1945
January 6 sorties
What was your highest rank?
Signaller - Sig Clayton
Warrant Officer
What was the best thing about your service?
My mates, having an adventure and seeing the world. Meeting all sorts of people good blokes.
Did you develop any long term friendships?
My best mates from my Australian wireless training were all killed in New Guinea. I still keep in touch with families from my crew.
Do you have any advice for younger veterans?
Not really. After the war we all just went back to civvy life.
What’s the secret to your long life?
Led a pretty good life, good food, swimming, fishing. Lal, my wife, was wonderful. She died at age 94. She was in the WAAAF, in war headed in Richmond. She was signals too / Morse code.
What kind of work did you do post war?
I was a woolbuyer at McGregors in Sydney. Loved it. Became good friends with Sir James MCGregor and had a lot of respect for him. Enjoyed my work and did that till I retired. Mainly working with fine merino wool.
History:
Lal and I married in 1949. Lee was born, then Mark. We lived in Lindfield, NSW then moved to Wahroonga in 1962.
In 1981 we bought land in North Arm Cove and built our new home.
We travelling the world a couple of times and enjoying being a grey nomads for 10 years – being on the road with Lal was fantastic. We are fortunate to have a loving, supportive family - two children: Lee and Mark and we have four grandchildren: Ami, Sarah, James, Emma and five great-grandchildren: Tara, Charlie, Maisie, Evelyn, and Archer. We miss Lal very much. I’ve had a wonderful life.
Please join me in wishing Jim a very happy 100th birthday!
