Ralph Pearce and Janice Thomas lay a poppy on their uncle’s grave.
In a moving dedication ceremony at Carlyle Cemetery, the Pearce and Pascoe families of Rutherglen came together to honour the service and sacrifice of Private Clement Leslie Pascoe, with his previously unmarked World War II grave finally receiving the recognition it deserves.
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Private Clement Leslie Pascoe, fondly known as Clem, served valiantly throughout World War II and continued his dedication with the Occupational Post War Forces in Japan and Morotai.
Born in Rutherglen in 1924, he dedicated himself to his country from February 1942 until his discharge in April, 1947.
He served as a Group 3 Driver initially with the 6th Australian Auxiliary Horse Transport Coy and later with the 28th Employment (Works) Coy.
Like many veterans, Private Pascoe returned from the war as a sick and broken man. The toll of his experiences had a profound effect on him, which his family still vividly recalled.
Rutherglen RSL Sub Branch President Craig Williams speaks about Private Clement Leslie Pascoe’s life and contribution to the country.
After the war, Private Pascoe resided in Tower Hill, Rutherglen, where many in the community remembered him.
Until recently, his grave remained unmarked but was posthumously deemed eligible for a monumental war grave through the Department of Veteran's Affairs - Office of The Australian War Graves.
Private Pascoe rests in the Wesleyan section of Carlyle Cemetery, in grave number 16A, next to his older brother Ralph Dudley Pascoe.
At the special dedication last Friday, Rutherglen RSL Sub-Branch played a pivotal role in the dedication service, where Private Pascoe was remembered as a brave and selfless individual.
David Martin OAM welcomed everyone to the final farewell of Private Pascoe, “a man who laid unrecognised for many years”.
“Unfortunately, around Australia, thousands of graves lay such as this, men and women who served their country at war, lay rest for many years without being formally recognised,” he said.
The dedication was attended by RSL Sub Branch members, Cr Roberta Horne representing Indigo Shire, and the family of Private Pascoe, as well as soldiers from Bandiana Military Base in Wodonga, who participated in the official protocol for the ceremony.
Reverend Graeme Wells gave an official blessing over the grave, before wreaths were laid on the grave.
Rutherglen RSL Sub Branch President Craig Williams then conducted the dedication service before poppies were laid on Private Pascoe’s grave.
“The service of the day is over, and the hour has come for rest,” Mr Williams said.
Friends and family of Private Clement Leslie Pascoe.
“This blood red poppy is a traditional emblem of war and sacrifice. This is a symbol of a life given to one’s country.
“This poppy links service men and women past and present and the family and friends here today with their late colleague Clement. We place it on the grave in his abiding memory.”
The Ode was recited followed by the Last Post delivered by bugler Ross Draper.
The family expressed their sincere gratitude to everyone involved in making this dedication possible, especially the Rutherglen RSL Sub-Branch and the Department of Veteran's Affairs - Office of the Australian War Graves.
In addition, the family extended their appreciation to Rutherglen’s Nyree Wiggins, a family friend, who provided invaluable assistance with research and the formal application processes, which ultimately led to the establishment of this memorial.
The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by Private Clement Leslie Pascoe and all the brave servicemen and women who have dedicated their lives to protect their country and preserve freedom.
Bugler Ross Draper of Wodonga plays the Last Post.
