The AIF Project

John Thomas BARR

Regimental number2572
Place of birthArdstraw Bridge, Co Tyrone, Ireland
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationBlacksmith
AddressEsk, Queensland
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation45
Height5' 5.5"
Weight154 lbs
Next of kinWife, Mrs Jane Barr, Esk, Queensland
Previous military serviceNil
Enlistment date12 February 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll12 February 1916
Place of enlistmentBrisbane, Queensland
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name4th Pioneer Battalion, Reinforcement 5
AWM Embarkation Roll number14/16/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A49 Seang Choon on 19 September 1916
Rank from Nominal RollSapper
Unit from Nominal Roll6th Field Company Engineers
FateReturned to Australia 24 August 1918
Discharge date30 October 1918
Other details

War service: Western Front

Embarked Brisbane on HMAT 'Seeang Choon', 19 September 1916; disembarked Plymouth, England, 9 December 1916, and marched into Pioneer Training Bn, Larkhill; appointed Acting Lance Corporal, 10 December 1916; attached to 15th Training Bn, Hurdcott, 21 April 1917; on command to School of Musketry, 30 May 1917, and qualified 1st Class with some knowledge of the Lewis Machine Gun, 21 June 1917. Transferred to Engineers Training Depot, Brightlingsea, 10 July 1917; reverted to ranks upon moving out, 10 July 1917; appointed Acting Corporal, 11 July 1917.

Found guilty of failing to salute an officer whilst in Edinburgh, 28 August 1917: reprimanded by superior officer, 8 September 1917.

Proceeded overseas to France through Folkestone, 30 September 1917; rank reverted to Sapper, 30 September 1917; marched into Australian General Base Depot, Rouelles, 2 October 1917; moved out to 2nd Divisional Headquarters, 5 October 1917; taken on strength of 6th Field Company Australian Engineers, 16 October 1917.

Admitted to 7th Australian Field Ambulance, 25 May 1918 (muscular rheumatism); transferred to 20th Casualty Clearing Station, 29 May 1918; to 61st Casualty Clearing Station, 2 June 1918; to Ambulance Train No 32, 2 June 1918; admitted to 7th Stationary Hospital, Boulogne, 3 June 1918. Embarked Boulogne on HS 'Jan Breydel' and proceeded to England, 14 June 1918, and admitted to Princess Christian Military Hospital, Englefield Green; transferred to 1st Auxiliary Hospital, Harefield; discharged on furlough, 3 July 1918; marched into No 2 Command Depot, Weymouth, 17 July 1918.

Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Medic', 24 August 1918; disembarked Sydney, 9 October 1918; discharged Brisbane, 30 October 1918.

Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal
SourcesNAA: B2455, BARR John Thomas

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