William Barrie

Private William Barrie (Service no. 5036) was born in Victoria circa 1878.

On 12th December, 1900 he married Eliza Bertha Pitchford and some time after they moved to Helensburg where he worked as a miner and raised their family of six children. As the Waratah March came through William was one of the many who joined them. He embarked on SS Makarini on 1st April, 1916 with 1st Battalion. He saw service on the Western Front with E coy 1st Battalion. On 8th April, 1917 he was wounded in action receiving a shrapnel wound to his right hand. He was treated at the casualty clearing station and in May, 1917 returned to his mates at the front.

On 4th October, 1917 while attacking an enemy pillbox he was killed in action. Statements made indicate he was found dead in the doorway of the pillbox and was buried where he fell. He was described as an old hand who was steady under fire and liked by all. Sadly his wife received condolence letters from other soldiers before she was officially notified. She also received mail from William and this caused her a lot of distress. There are letters on his file from her for months after trying to get information about his death.

William has no known grave as his burial site was destroyed by further fighting. He is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial at Ypres, Belgium.