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Byron was born at North Rothbury on the 18 th February 1921 and was
educated in the Branxton area. At a young age he went to Queensland
and worked on the cane fields and it was here that he took a serious
interest in boxing and boxed under the name of Bill Clifford. This was
during the depression years.On his return to the Branxton area he was
engaged in the mining industry but maintained his interest in boxing
and became the light heavyweight champion of the Coalfields and
whenever he was listed on the programme for a bout,a capacity crowd
would attend.Byron was also an“A” grade cricketer and was an opening bowler and in one match took 7 wickets for 10 runs and was a handy opening batsman. On one occasion he opened his account with a glorious six.Rugby League was also another sport at which he excelled,where he played in many positions but is believed to have been at his best when playing fullback. He was a dependable handler,a devastating tackler and an accurate line kicker. He was also a goal kicker of some note. Tennis was another sport at which he excelled. In 1941 he married Marjorie Hammonds at North Rothbury and there was one daughter of the marriage,Joan,who is married and still lives in the Branxton area. Byron joined the New South Wales Police Force and served at Darlinghurst,Maitland,Boggabri and Camperdown and in the latter years of service performed duty at Central Railway Station with the Railway Police.Byron retired in 1981 after years of distinguished
service. His devotion to duty and intuitive adaptability brought many
commendations from Sydney Newspapers for his outstanding deeds. Byron married a second time in 1980 and now resides in retirement with his wife Min at Terrigal on the Central Coast.
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