Military History

Embarked at Fremantle per HMAT ‘Miltiades’ for Egypt 12.2.1916.
Roll Rank Private.
Roll Unit 9th Reinforcement, 28th Battalion.
Barlow disembarked at Egypt with the 28th Battalion, 9th Reinforcement. He marched in to Serapeum with 7th Training Battalion. Barlow transferred to the 51st Battalion 2.4.1916. He proceeded to Alexandria with the 51st Battalion and joined British Expeditionary Force for France 5.6.1916. He disembarked at Marseilles 12.6.1916. He was seconded to 13th Light Trench Mortar Battery 28.7.1916 and taken on strength. The 51st Battalion fought at Mouquet Farm in August and September 1916. Barlow was wounded in action at Mouquet Farm and admitted by 7th Field Ambulance with gunshot wound to left hand and shellshock 14.8.1916. Barlow was transferred to 2nd Field Ambulance Station 14.8.1916. He rejoined his unit in 15.8.1916. Barlow was awarded a Valedictory Medal 23.3.1917. He was awarded a Military Medal 23.6.1917. Barlow was detached to the Stoke, Mortar School of Instruction at Aveloy 21.1.1918. He returned to duty 13.2.1918 and took leave to UK 19.3.1918. He rejoined his unit in France in 11.4.1918. Barlow was wounded in action (second time) with Shrapnel Wounds to arms and right foot 26.4.1918 (Reported West Australian Newspaper 28.5.1918). He was admitted to the 3rd Auxiliary Hospital before embarkation to England 30.4.1918. He was admitted to the Alexander Military Hospital, Cosham with severe injuries 1.5.1918. Barlow was transferred to No 3 Command Depot. Hurdcott 14.6.1918 then to No.2 Command Depot 13.9.1918. He was listed for early return to Australia- invalided with Shrapnel Wounds to arms and right foot.
Embarked for Australia per HT ‘Nestor’ 12.12.1918.
Returned/Disembarked Fremantle 18.1.1919.
Discharged 11.3.1919.
Final Rank Gunner.
Medical Condition Invalided with Shrapnel Wounds to arms and right foot.
Awards and Medals Military Medal, Valedictory Medal, 1914-15 Star, British Medal, Victory Medal.
Valedictory Medal 23.3.1917.
Military Medal ‘for bravery in the Field’ 23.6.1917.

‘…….decorated with a Military Medal for devotion to duty ..he was a member of a gun men crew in the last big push. During the advance across the open, casualties reduced the gun crew to two, Barlow and his Corporal. They did not give in but plugged on and carried the gun into firing position at its objective and so earned the medal ‘ (ST 4.11.1917)

Notes Barlow had two brothers who served in WW1, Thomas Richard Barlow (SN 166) who was KIA and William James Barlow who returned (SN 5989).
Photo Sunday Times 27.4.1917 p6s.

Information Source
Australian War Memorial Embarkation Roll- Harold George Barlow
Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour- Harold George Barlow
NAA: B2455, Barlow H
Sunday Times
West Australian Newspaper

Caversham near Guildford, WA.
 

Associated Images