Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Charlie Barnett was the eldest of 5 children born to Doris and Lindsey 'Len' Barnett,  in Ceduna SA.  

He loved and knew the bush, by all accounts he was free spirited and fun loving. When the 2nd World War broke out he did not hesitate to enlist.  He enlisted in the Navy.

He,like so many returned men would not talk about his war time experiences and so what the family know is very limited.  We know that  he was on the HMAS Australia as a stoker under the water line whilst it was attacked for 5 days by Japanese kamikaze pilots. I imagine a terrify experience.

Charlie returned from the war a different man. He returned to the bush, when he moved to the Northern Terriitory driving heavy road making machinery.

He married Dorothy Mitchell, settled in Adelaide at Flinders Park for a few years where he continued driving road making machinery.

He took up scuba diving, recreationally, and then professionally, when he and Dorothy moved to Barry's Beach where he was working off the oil rigs in Wilsons Promontory.

This is where he and Dorothy spent the rest of their lives at Toora

After he retired he again took to the heavy machinery and voluntarily, and with the council consent, cleared  and beautified the area along the local creek.  An area now that is widely used by travellers as a rest stop.

After he died the family decided that it was important to return his ashes to where his life started at Ceduna. Ceduna was always ingrained in his heart.

As Dorothy had pre deceased Charlie his surviving siblings Max,Joan and Ronda, organised to have his ashes buried on the original family property, a property which was still in the family under the ownership of a a cousin.

Charlie and Dorothy did not have any children, but he is remembered fondly by 11 nieces and nephews.

He was a good man, he did his duty.

Sandra Mahney (Barnett)