Albert Cleary

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]

Born(1919-06-16)16 June 1919

Geelong, Victoria

Died20 March 1945(1945-03-20) (aged 25)

Sandakan, Borneo

Buried

Labuan War Cemetery

Allegiance Australia

Quick facts Born, Died ...

Albert Neil Cleary
Cleary upon enlistment
Born	(1919-06-16)16 June 1919 Geelong, Victoria
Died	20 March 1945(1945-03-20) (aged 25) Sandakan, Borneo
Buried	Labuan War Cemetery
Allegiance	Australia
Branch	Second Australian Imperial Force
Service years	1941–1945
Rank	Gunner
Service number	VX52128
Unit	2/15th Field Regiment
Conflicts	World War II South West Pacific theatre Battle of Singapore (POW)
Awards	Commendation for Gallantry

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