WHEN broken careers are remembered, somewhere at the top of the list should be Clifford Burge. 

Wearing No. 25, he played five games in 1914, having come from Elsternwick Juniors via Melbourne High, where he was a member of the football first eighteen, as well as being involved in cricket and rifle shooting.

Burge played his first game on 25 April 1914, against Fitzroy. 

In common with all his senior appearances for Melbourne, he unfortunately played in a loss, but at six feet tall, impressed with his ability in the ruck. 

A year later, and newly enlisted, he would be not far removed from the tragedy that became Anzac Day. 

Having worked as a teacher, then as a clerk in the Lands Department, Burge embarked in HMAT A54 Rumic at Melbourne, on 25 February 1915. 

He then proceeded to Egypt, where he served as a Pay Corps Warrant Officer. 

This was relatively safe territory, despite several trips to Gallipoli. For Burge, it was not enough. 

By the second half of 1916, on his way to a much more active role in the 13^th Regiment, Australian Light Horse, he had reverted to Squadron Quarter Master Sergeant from his rank of Staff Sergeant. 

By the end of June 1917, he was attending ‘No. 5 officers cadet Battn. Cambridge’ - from his class, Burge was one of just three selected for special instruction, from which he finished third, and was granted a commission. This led to him being appointed Second Lieutenant, and shortly after, he headed back to France.

In June 1918, and having faced horrors such as having his horse shot from under him when drawing enemy fire as a ‘pointer’, Burge was wounded in action, having been gassed. 

He was transferred to a casualty clearing station, but before the end of the month, had returned to duty, and ‘marched in from hospital’, rejoining his battalion - the 24^th - in the field on 29 June.

Having been in the thick of the action at every possible opportunity, the end of the war was approaching. 

But, it would be too late for Cliff Burge. 

He was ‘killed in action by enemy shell fire on 14/8/18, near Hervilly.’ 

After being buried at Lamotte-en-Santerre Civil Cemetery, near Harbonieres, France, with a regimental cross at his grave site, he was later reinterred to Villers Bretonneux Military Cemetery, where his headstone still stands today.

His death left behind parents Charles and Emily to mourn, along with siblings Maxwell and May. 

Parcels arrived via the AIF kit store, London, with his effects, the extent of what was sent paying silent testament to his time in service. 

First came a metal wrist watch and strap, accompanied by a medal in a case. This was followed by one fountain pen, one diary, one wallet, cards, photos and letters. 

Then came a bundle of clothing, accompanied by miscellaneous items such as a pipe and gloves. 

And, finally, there came another kit bag, with assorted clothing, books and personal effects. 

In a poignant side note, a letter was sent to Emily in July 1919, which was his form of commission, ‘covering the appointment of your son, the late Lieutenant C. C. Burge, 24 Battalion, as a temporary 2^nd Lieutenant in the regular forces of the British Army. 

This refers to first appointment to Commission and not to his later rank.’

So were the formalities signed off, along with receipts for the 1914-18 Star, the British War Medal, the Victory Medal, the Memorial Scroll and Memorial Plaque. 

Burge’s name is accordingly honoured at Villers Bretonneux, his name yet another silent story to be remembered.