Launcelot Arthur Cleveland

A distinguished career

The name might sound familiar. Launcelot Arthur Cleveland is the son of one of our founders, Arthur William Cleveland.

Launcelot served in the Boer War of 1899 – 1902 and reached the rank of Lieutenant by the time he was discharged in 1900. Before his enlistment to fight in World War 1, he was already an Associate member of a forerunner of CPA Australia, the Incorporated Institute of Accountants of Victoria, (IIAV).

Launcelot joined the war effort in October 1915, at the age of 40, and was listed as Second Lieutenant in the Nominal Role of the Australian Imperial Force.

When not serving on the armed forces, Launcelot was a public accountant. Other occupations listed alongside Launcelot in the 6th Field Artillery Brigade were chef, labourer, timber merchant and farrier. The brigade sailed to Europe on the HMAT Persic on 22 November 1915, and would become part of the legendary ANZAC Corps.

Less than a year later, in October 1916, Launcelot was recommended for a Military Cross for “good services rendered as Artillery Officer with the 1st ANZAC Corps during the period from June 1916 to the present date, and especially during the period of action with the reserve army”. He was awarded the honour in 1917 and had been promoted to the rank of Major by the end of the war.

Upon his return from the war, Launcelot’s accounting career continued to thrive. In 1930, he was one of the Commissioners for the Royal Commission into the Price of Flour and Bread, and in 1940 he became one of the first accountants awarded a life membership of the CIA. In the following year, Launcelot was elected as member of Faculty of Commerce, Melbourne University. Remarkably, throughout his time in service, Launcelot remained on the council of IIAV, serving from 1910 to 1936. In March 1936, he helped organise the Australasian Congress on Accounting.

During and post-war he remained on the Board of Examiners as the Chairman and was on the Victorian General Council until his death on 28 February 1942.

Launcelot showed dedication to his country and demonstrated excellence in his accounting career. He gave much back to the profession and this is shown from his many accolades.

Our archives

The above information was put together as part of our archival project, ensuring we remember and document the history of our organisation and members.