The AIF Project

'The men [2879 C.O. POWER, 2953 A. FORREST, 13629 E.C. MUNRO, 2807 B.C. BARWICK] formed a stretcher squad carrying wounded on May 3rd North of NOREUIL during the intensity of the bombardment. While so engaged they were in the vicinity of a Trench Mortar Shell Dump near NOREUIL, when an enemy shell fell in the dump causing a fire and great explosion killing and wounding a number of men near by. The stretcher squad with utter disregard of danger rushed to the spot and attended the wounded and carried them away in safety, in spite of a intense enemy barrage following on the explosion. They carried wounded continuously for 36 hours in spite of heavy barrages. Between the hours of 4 and 6 a.m. on that date the barrage was particularly heavy and there were no troops moving on the road at the time on account of the heavy fire. In spite of this 28 cases were carried 1 3/4 miles to a place of safety. During this time they frequently stopped to attend to wounded on the way.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 189
Date: 8 November 1917

'On 5th October, 1918, in the operations at the HINDENBURG Line, north of ST. QUENTIN on the road at TONCOURT, 300 yards from 18th Battalion Headquarters, the enemy heavily shelled some artillery transport, overturning a wagon. At once Private BARWICK dashed to the spot regardless of heavy shelling, cleared two wounded from the wreckage, and carried them to the Regimental Aid Post. Owing to the extent of the shelling which was continuous and extensive in area, this man' behaviour showed the greatest gallantry and devotion to duty. He was accompanied by No. 8169a Private Clarence THOMPSON, 5th Australian Field Ambulance.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919