Monday 26 February 2007

Private Frederick Charles Barnett

Born on 20 October 1881 in England - son of James and Lucy Barnett, husband of Mrs. Esther Harriett Barnett, Ottawa, Ontario - attestation form notes trade as stonecutter, married, previous served in the military for sixteen years including(?) three years in South Africa, height of 5 feet 7 inches, chest of 37 inches, swarthy complexion, hazel eyes, brown hair, Church of England.

Joined the 38th Battalion on 2 February OR 5 March 1915 (number 410015) - served with the battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - struck off the strength of the battalion in England on 13 August 1916 - rejoined the battalion on 16 or 17 February 1917 - killed in action on 16 March 1917 - buried in Villers Station Cemetery, France.

1 comment:

Mike Websell said...

Elder brother of my paternal grandmother. Born in Hamstead London the family relocated to Tunbridge Wells, Kent.Fred joined up as a young man and served through the Boer war with the Royal West Kents. Married Esther Harriet Vinall in 1905, two daughters Dorothy May b 1906 and Lucy Agnes b 1910. Fred travelled to Ottawa 1912/13 his wife and girls travelled out to join him on the Royal Edward late 1913.
When the 38th arrived in England he was invalided to the Canadian Hospital at Bramshott before rejoining the strength in Feb 1917 as indicated.
Fred's family remained in Ottawa post war, although his daughter Lucy Agnes (named for my nan) died young in 1930.
She and Esther are buried in the Beechwood ceremony, hoping to uncover more in due course.