Albert Cleary
| Albert Neil Cleary | |
|---|---|
| Born |
16 June 1919 Geelong, Victoria |
| Died |
20 March 1945 (aged 25) Sandakan, Borneo |
| Buried at | Labuan War Cemetery |
| Allegiance |
 Australia |
| Service/branch | Second Australian Imperial Force |
| Years of service | 1941–1945 |
| Rank | Gunner |
| Service number | VX52128 |
| Unit | 2/15th Field Regiment |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | Commendation for Gallantry |
Albert Neil Cleary (16 June 1919 – 20 March 1945)[1] was an Australian soldier during World War II. Part of the 2/15th Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, he became a prisoner of war to the Japanese following the Battle of Singapore. He died following an escape attempt in 1945. In 2001, the Australian Labor Party introduced a bill to have Cleary and two others awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia, however this was defeated by the Federal Liberal Government.[2] In 2011, Cleary was awarded a posthumous Commendation for Gallantry.[3] Cleary's death was revealed by historian Lynette Silver to have been caused by dysentery, calling into doubt his elevation as a war hero.[4]
References
- ↑ "Cleary, Albert Neil". World War II Nominal Roll. Commonwealth of Australia. Retrieved 23 July 2009.
- ↑ Sidebottom, Sid, MP (4 June 2001). "First Reading Speech of the Defence Act Amendment" (PDF). Victoria Cross Bill 2001. House of Representatives - Commonwealth of Australia. pp. 1–3. Retrieved 22 July 2009.
- ↑ Commendation for Gallantry, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette S143, 28 September 2011.
- ↑ "VC award would be based on lies, military historian warns". The Sydney Morning Herald. 13 March 2012.
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