BARRIE Thomas James

QER 1925 Thomas James and Daisy Stella BARRIE, settler living at Calico Creek, Lagoon Pocket (between Lagoon Pocket and Amamoor) QER 1936, 1937 Living at Bank's Pocket, Gympie.

Thomas was born in Goulburn N.S.W. and enlisted at Roma Qld. aged 43 years 11 months his birthday given as 2nd October 1873 which was a little older than most for active service. However he was described as very muscular in build and a heart rate of 72 which I have not seen before on any of the other Diggers that I have researched. He was a labourer/miner and at that time - single. His address then was Amby, Qld. However during his service he married Daisy Loney 0n 30th August, 1919. Her address was Guinea Street, Exeter, England. She was a domestic servant aged 36. Her Father was Walter Loney, a tailor by trade. They were married at the Exeter Registry Office. They had 1 child and his wife and child returned to Australia on the same ship. He had nominated his Brother John Barrie of Sydney, N.S.W. as next of kin on his application but later that to his wife. He embarked from Sydney 31.10.1917 on the Euripides and disembarked at Devonport on 25th December, 1917. Not a very good Xmas present. He went A.W.L. for three days from 13th February 1918 at Codford but surrendered himself to a Guard at Admin. Headquarters, London at 11.30 a.m. on 16th February, 1918. For this he forfeited 3 days pay. Overseas to France from Codford via Dover on 1st April, 1918 then to Calais with his Unit in France on 16.10.1918. Next to Harve 16th March, 1919. He was hospitalised "sick" in France 19th March,1919 where he contacted Gonorrhoea. He first reported "sick" on 10th March 1919. He was released on leave from 23rd July 1919 to 23rd October 1919 to do a course of general farming with Mrs Partridge, Great Leigh Farm near Exeter where no doubt he met with his future wife as they were married on 30th August 1919 and she was from Exeter. It seems that he did not finish the course as his leave was cancelled 0n 9th September, 1919 and he returned to his unit. He returned to Australia with his wife and child ex London on the Shropshire Embarked 2nd December, 1919 disembarked Australia 31st January, 1920. He was discharged 1st March, 1920.