James Barnett

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Fri, 13/01/2017 - 11:35

First Name:

James

Last Name:

Barnett

Date of Birth:

Tuesday, January 14, 1896

Mother's Name:

Bridget Barnett nee Murphy

Father's Name:

James Barnett

Date Enlisted:

Thursday, December 2, 1915

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Sergeant

Unit:

35th Battalion

Company:

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Date of Death:

Friday, March 9, 1962

Place of Death:

Helensburgh, N.S.W.

Details:

James Barnett (Service No 1062) was born in Helensburgh, N.S.W.

At enlistment James was single, 20 years old, and worked as a miner.

He embarked from Sydney on HMAT A24 Benalla with 35th Battalion, D Company on 1st May 1916.

James arrived in England on 9th July 1916. On 11th May 1916 he was promoted to Lance Corporal and was made Corporal on 20th November 1916. He joined 14 Platoon, D Company, 35th battalion on 21st November 1916 and was promoted to Sgt in the field on 7th July 1917.

James saw service on the Western Front and was at the battle of Passchendaele when he was wounded on 12th October 1917. James was in a shell hole and hit by an exploding shell which resulted in a back wound. He was treated at the time but before stretcher bearers could reach him he was taken prisoner.

James spent many months in German hospitals being treated but was denied contact with his brother Joseph.

He was repatriated to England on 14th December 1918 and returned to Australia in January 1919. He received further treatment in Australia and was discharged medically unfit on 14th July 1919.

On 3rd December 1919 he married Catherine Freebairn in Helensburgh.

James died in 1962 and is buried in Helensburgh Cemetery.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, BARNETT J