Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Military Medal

'At MORLANCOURT night 28/29th July 1918. For gallant leadership. During an attack on the enemy Trench System he led his Section with conspicuous gallantry. While following our barrage he encountered an enemy post, and, with Private CRAWFORD, immediately rushed forward and captured the post, taking 5 prisoners and killing the remainder of the garrison. he then re-formed his Section, continued the advance and reached the final objective. he was an inspiring example of gallantry and coolness to his Section under very trying circumstances, owing to the heavy enemy barrage, darkness and difficulty in maintaining direction through a maze of Trenches. He personally prevented crowding and kept in touch on the flanks throughout and his conduct throughout was of the utmost assistance to his Platoon Commander.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 36
Date: 14 March 1919

"I have been awarded the Military Medal and promoted to be corporal. The chap who came to my assistance has also received the Medal." With that brevity characteristic of a real hero, Corporal Albert E. Barnes told in a letter home how his 22nd birthday was marked by his name - being added to the list of soldiers from this
city whose bravery on the field has won special recognition. Corporal
Barnes was born in Ross-street, went to Central State School and was a star player with the Richmond District Football Club. He is a son of Mr. N. Barnes, of 45 Stanley-street, and a brother of Constable F. W. N. Barnes, of the South Richmond police.
Enlisting in April, 1915, he went to Egypt and on to France. There bitter cold and pitiable conditions in their first winter in France left their mark on the young soldier, and eventually suffering from trench feet, he was sent to an English hospital. Slight wounds to his face also came in for treatment. From then on till the bugles sounded the "Cease Fire" onCNovember 11 young Barnes held his 
end up. His letters were full of cheer and he seldom had time to tell of the dark spots. Listen to him describe the joy of a short respite that some of our soldiers enjoyed at a fashionable bathing resort on the French coast: "Well, I am finishing my spell, and it has been the best I have had. Plenty of money, plenty of entertainment and
we are camped right by the sea. Costumes supplied free of charge, bathing boxes for our special use, and mixed bathing, too! There were a few English visitors and our boys had a real good time. I think they opened the eyes of some of the French folk. An added element of danger is given to bathing here on account of the turning
of the tide. Our boys go out too far and the old coastguards blow a horn to give them the oil to come in closer -but they will not come in. As beaches the French cannot equal ours. Still, it is a great place for a spell.  All we have to do is to fall in at 9.45 for a swim, and if the weahter is not suitable we can go where we like. Tucker is good and there is a fair issue. Also there is a W.A.A.C. camp here, but
our chaps have not had much chance of getting out with the girls. There is a guards' camp close to them, and the guards run dances and the W.A.A.C's flock up to them. The guards are fine big chaps. They have been here for three months and it is said that they will be there for another three months. Some of our chaps in the line could do wih a long spell like that. Our battalion has, done good work up to date, and I hope we can keep our name up.
They are all in the best of spirits."