Private / Sapper Arthur Barnes

PRIVATE / SAPPER ARTHUR BARNES

541 – 2nd Cyclists Corps / Aust Electrical & Mechanical Mining & Boring Company

Southport, Lancashire, England was the birthplace of Arthur Frederick Barnes about 1887 the son of Henry and Eleanor (nee Farrington) Barnes. In 1891 his family were residing at 136 Sefton Street, Southport and consisted of Robert Farrington (43), Hannah (29) and Ethel (8mths) and Eleanor Barnes, confectioner (sister-in-law 37), Lillie (11), Emma (7) nieces, and Arthur (3) nephew.

In 1901 the residents at 136 Sefton Street, Southport were Eleanor, housekeeper (46), Lillie, dressmaker (21), Thomas, joiner (20), Arthur, scholar (13) and Herbert Farrington, confectioner & baker (brother 44). Ten years later they were at 51 Cedar Street, Southport and citizens of the household were Elanor (56), Thomas H. widower (30), Emma R., milliner (27), Arthur, general cycle maker (24), Marie (3mths).

Arthur had served an apprenticeship as a cycle mechanic and came to Australia. His sister Lillie and brother Thomas were also in Melbourne, Vic.

On May 23, 1916 at the recruiting office in Prahran, Melbourne, Victoria the twenty nine year old mechanic applied to enlist for active service aboard. Personal particulars taken show him unmarried and residing at 3 Narong Road, Caulfield and was 167cms (5ft 5½ins) tall with a chest measurement of 88cms (34½ins). A notation of dental treatment was marked. Having passed the medical examination he was declared fit and the recruiting officer accepted his application.

Attestation forms were completed the same day which describe him as weighing 51.3kgs (113lbs) with a chest expansion of 79-88cms (31-34½ins) and a fresh complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair. Distinctive marks were three vaccination scars and two scars on the back of his neck and a mole on his abdomen. Church of England was his faith. Next-of-kin was his brother Thomas Barnes of 3 Narong Road, Caulfield. He was sworn in the same day.

Basic training commenced with the 19th Depot Battalion in Geelong, Vic on June 6, 1916 until July 17 when he was transferred to the 3rd Reinforcement to the 2nd Cycle Corps at Geelong. His rank was Private and his regimental number was 541.

The troopship HMAT Orsova embarked from Sydney, NSW on July 29, 1916 under Master of the Ship Alfred John Coad – Commander RNR, arrived in Melbourne, Vic two days later. The Officer Commanding the Troops was Colonel Thompson and the Cycle Corp Reinforcements boarded on August 1 and left the same day for Fremantle arriving on August 7. Departure from Australia was the same day and docked at Capetown on August 23 where ten tunnellers boarded then continued their journey after two days in port. St Vincent was the next port-of-call on September 6 and after a day at the wharf sailed the following day. After a voyage of 48 days the transport berthed in Plymouth, England on September 14, 1916. They were entrained to the Details Company No. 3 camp at Parkhouse.

On September 22, 1916 the Reinforcements were taken on strength with the Cycle Corps Training Battalion at Chisledon.

He made out his Will on January 19, 1917 in which he gave the whole of his property and effects to his sister Mrs W. Watchorn.

Service continued until May 22, 1917 when he was detached for duty with the Engineers Training Battalion at Brightlingsea.

While in the Engineers’ camp another Will was formalised and witnessed on July 11, 1917 leaving all property and effects to Mrs Lilian Watchorn of 3 Narong Road, Caulfield, Melbourne.

He proceeded overseas on August 4, 1917 to France from Folkstone and arrived at the Aust General Base Depot in Rouelles then marched out to join the Aust Electrical & Mechanical Mining & Boring Company in the field on September 3, 1917 and taken on Supernumeracy (Pending absorption).

Sergeant E.G. ‘Hughie’ Dodd of the same company mentions Sapper Barnes in his diary entry as follows:

September 12 [1917]

Had two Canadians sent out today to run 19/16 cable through the main mining lateral. Shall be giving them a list as to their capabilities in the course of a few days. Have an Australian called Barnes on this job with me now, I believe he is not too good as a mechanic but time will show. Had news today, that no leave was to be granted to anyone arriving in France after 31 March in the 2nd Army so don't suppose I shall get it for some time yet, worst luck.

Sapper was issued with Blue Chevrons to wear on his uniform for twelve months service abroad.

On February 12, 1918 proceeded on leave and rejoined on February 20.

He was taken on strength with the Company in the field on August 1, 1918. He went sick to the 8th Casualty Clearing Station on August 12 and marked as N.Y.D. (not diagnosed yet) and conveyed on A.T.5 to Boulogne entering the 2nd Aust General Hospital with Prostatitis on August 24. Four days later departed on the hospital ship Stad Antwerpen to England and admitted to the 1st Eastern General Hospital in Cambridge with acute Prostatitis (inflammation of prostrate gland).

Base Records advised his brother on September 25, 1918 that Sapper Barnes had been admitted to hospital on August 28, 1918.

Discharged to furlough on October 4 and to report to the No. 2 Command Depot on October 18, 1918 then marched in from Headquarters to the No. 2 C.D. at Hurdcott. On December 14 he marched out to the Overseas Training Brigade to await his return to Australia.

Sapper Barnes embarked for home on the H.T. Orsova on January 2, 1919 for discharge. Base Records advised his brother on January 29, 1919 that he was on his way home. The ship arrived in Melbourne, Vic (3rd M.D.) on February 27, 1919.

At the P.M.R.B. in Sturt Street, Melbourne later that day he was medically assessed and essential facts of his case were:

‘1917 Hospital Prostatitis – now perfectly well.’ To which he signed in agreement. He was also declared ‘dentally fit’ as well.

Military Discharge was issued in Melbourne (3rd M.D.) on April 6, 1919 on termination of his period of enlistment.

For service for his country Private / Sapper 541 Arthur Barnes, 2nd Cycle Corps / Aust Electrical & Mechanical Mining & Boring Company was issued with the British War Medal (50925) and the Victory Medal (49923).

He authorised his sister E.R. Barnes on June 15, 1921 to collect his War Medal and the Victory Medal was receipted on February 12, 1923.

On July 22, 1919 a copy of his Will had been filed with the Records Office.

He married in 1928 to Flora May Cotton in Sydney, NSW and their residence was 60 Read Street, Waverley, NSW in 1930. Three years later had moved to 34 Belgrave Street, Waverley and remained there for the rest of their lives.

Mrs Barnes died in September 1941 and her announcement was published in the:

Arthur Barnes was a member of the Aust Electrical & Mechanical Mining & Boring Company and Tunnellers’ Anzac Reunion and his name was recorded in the 1928 and 1934 registers at the above address. A notation states their letter was returned in 1950.

Arthur Barnes died on May 7, 1953 at 73 years of age. Family notices were published in the: