A memorial to a well-known Gloucester war veteran will be unveiled next week.
Bill Clements, known as ‘Barton Billy’, was captured and held as a Prisoner of War by the Japanese during World War II. He was badly treated by his captors and returned to Gloucester when the war ended as a broken man, even losing the power of speech.
He spent much of his time on the streets in the Barton area, despite having a flat nearby, because he couldn’t bear to be inside after his ordeal. He was looked after by many local residents and businesses, who gave him food and drink, clothing and even cut his hair free of charge. He was also looked after by officers from Barton Street Police Station. He died in 1995 after a time in the Bohanam House nursing home on Barnwood Road.
He featured in a book called ‘100 Gloucester Characters’ written by local authors Matt Cass and Paul James, after a social media call for suggestions on who should be included. The pair researched Billy’s story and, after people asked how they could pay their respects to him, found out that there was no marking on the family grave where Billy’s ashes were scattered.
Matt and Paul launched a crowdfunding appeal to raise £1000 for a memorial for his grave, which has been made by local monumental masons F J Cambridge & Co Ltd on Stroud Road. The fundraising target was reached after just over two days, with over sixty people contributing. In fact, the amount donated exceeded the target and the excess will be donated to the Alabare Home for Veterans in Longlevens.
An unveiling and blessing of the memorial, at the Old Cemetery, Tredworth will take place at 11am on Wednesday 15th April at 11am. It will be led by Rev Pat Gifford, who was the curate at St James’s Church in Tredworth and is Chaplain to the Gloucestershire Constabulary. The ceremony will be attended by dignitaries including the Mock Mayor of Barton, Town Crier Alan Myatt and representatives from the Royal British Legion and Bill’s army regiment. Everyone who contributed to the appeal or who remembers Billy and wants to pay their respects is invited to attend.