Western Mail, Thursday 1 June 1933, page 2

A Red Ink Day.

It was during the battle of Rafa and Trooper Cluney's camel had just been blown to pieces by an aerial bomb. Returning from the firing line, Cluney was informed of his mount's fate. Someone had found the cover of his pay book, which had been among his effects on the camel, and handed it to Cluney with the remark; "Hard luck, Bill, losing your pay book - won't be able to draw any cash until you get a new one."

"Hard luck be blowed," replied Cluney. "Why, that book was full of' red ink. Now I'll get a brand new one, without any disfigurements in it."

Those in the story:

Cluney = 2159 Private John Joseph CLUNE, a 25 year old Farmer from Cundletown, New South Wales. He enlisted on 24 November 1915; and at the conclusion of the war Returned to Australia, 24 July 1919.