Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Lance Corporal Raymond Stanley Jordan (NX45772), who served with the 2/1st Infantry Battalion during the Second World War, stated: “I was very lucky to miss being mobilised for Malaya. Two of my friends were taken and neither of them came back.” One of those friends was Claude Carter (NX45750) who was Lance Corporal in the 2/20th Australian Infantry Battalion. He was born on 24 May 1913 in Sans Souci. His Battalion was raised in Sydney at Wallgrove Camp in July 1940 and in early 1941 they embarked for service in Singapore. After conducting a series of defensive actions in the vicinity of Mersing, the Battalion suffered losses through bombing and enemy action and began an orderly withdrawal to Singapore Island, with the Japanese forces inflicting heavy casualties. The British forces surrendered on 15 February 1942 and the men of the 2/20th began a three and a half year ordeal as prisoners of war of the Japanese. Claude survived this ordeal and lived to see the war end with the armistice of 15 August 1945 and the formal surrender of Japan on 2 September 1945. Sadly, he did not make it home, dying of illness at sea in the South West Pacific area on 4 November 1945, aged 32 years.

In his letters home from the front Raymond Stanley Jordan often mentioned his friend. Extracts pertaining to Claude (who he always spelt as Claud in his letters) are included below.

10 April 1941 - I wrote to Claud last week. I’ll bet he is eating his heart out because he didn’t get over here but he is in the best place I think.

Undated - I was expecting a reply from Claud soon but my letter must have been delayed somewhere. I am very glad to know that he hasn’t forgotten me though. He is one of the greatest guys I have ever known and I would give anything to have him here with me now… Well that is about all I can say this time. I will finish off and drop another line or two to Claud.

23 June 1941 - I had another letter from Claud the other day and he is still wishing he was here, the silly devil. He will be due for some more wishing if this one comes true. Well, that is about all I can tell you right now so I will finish off and answer Claud’s letter.

1 August 1941 - I had a letter from Claud yesterday too and he is still moaning about Malaya.

12 November 1941 - I had another letter from Claud a few days ago. He is still living in hopes of getting here – the mug.

20 January 1942 - I also got a letter from Claud and he asked to be remembered to all of you. It was written before the blue started over there though. We heard here a few days ago that our boys were into it there now. I hope that they get a fair go this time.

26 April 1942 - Gosh, I would like to know how Claud Carter got on. If you find out anything about him let me know will you and if possible his address but I feel sure that he would have written if he could.

Undated - Gee I have been worried about old Claud. I’d give anything to know where he is. He was the best mate I have ever had and that’s saying something.