Shellharbour's Local History Blog: ESA Bank & Clive 'Killer' Caldwell

The English, Scottish and Australian Bank opened 12^th June 1884 on the main road at Albion Park.

In the early 1900’s the bank was managed by Mr. Caldwell who lived in the adjoining residence with his family. During the years of the First World War, Mr. Caldwell’s young son Clive Robertson Caldwell would ride his tricycle on the footpath outside the bank. Clive attended the local Albion Park Public School.

In World War II, Clive became Australia’s top RAAF Ace Fighter Pilot, and was known as Clive ‘Killer’ Caldwell – a nickname he always hated.

In 1939 he enlisted with the RAAF and as he exceeded the age limit for recruitment; convinced a pharmacist friend to alter the details on his birth certificate.

In 1941 he was posted to 250 Squadron in the Middle East, flying ‘Tomahawks’. In 1944 he was promoted to group Captain and commanded No 80 Squadron of ‘Spitfires’ at Darwin, Morotai and the Philippines.

Clive developed a training technique known as shadow shooting, in which he fired at the shadow of his own aircraft on the desert surface. Using this method, Wing Commander Caldwell downed at least 29 enemy aircraft in over 300 operational sorties and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) , Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and Bar for outstanding bravery. Clive was the highest scoring P-40 pilot from any air force.