Thomas William Clouston was born on 7th November 1919 in Kaponga, son of George Clark Clouston, Police Constable of Opunake, and Maude Clouston.

Tom married Erica Janet McCullum in February 1958 and they had two children, Peter and Merryn.

He was educated in Opunake and worked as a shop assistant at Morris's general store in Opunake before enlisting in the 34th Battalion, 7th NZ Anti-Tank Regiment. Tom served in North Africa and Italy, attaining the rank of Sergeant.

On his return home to Opunake in 1945, Tom returned to his former job at Morris's store where he worked in a semi-managerial role for many years. He was a skilled carpenter and handyman and in the last few years before his retirement, he was employed by a local building firm.

Tom was an avid amateur radio ham (ZL2AQP). He initially set up his equipment in a room in his father George's workshop. He later built a radio shack at his home at 28 Fox Street, hoisting a number of aerials from his workshop. Tom was a golfer and a keen member of the Opunake Golf Club. He enjoyed constructing scale model aeroplanes (both gliders and engined craft) and also built a surf-ski and land yacht.

In 1988 Tom and Erica travelled to Europe and Tom was able to revisit many of the places he had seen during the war.

Brothers James Alexander Clouston and Thomas William Clouston served in WW2. AWMM