Barnett, George Thomas (Corporal, b.1893)

Collection relating to the First World War service of 15086 Corporal George Thomas Barnett, 14th Australian General Hospital, Australian Army Medical Corps. Collection consists of eighteen original handwritten letters, and nine cards and postcards (including an embroidered silk postcard, and a Christmas Card with nine accompanying photographs) sent home by Corporal Barnett to his family during the period 1915 through to 1918. Also includes a typed transcript of the letters.

The various forms of correspondence discuss topics such as: camp life and active service; the home front and knitting for the troops; entertainment; an aeroplane accident killing two officers; helping the wounded; Barnett's various hospital stays; food rations; the value of mail from home; his brother "Ted" (Gunner Edward James Barnett) serving in France; prisoners of war; Christmas celebrations and religion; and details on the landscapes and people of Colombo and Egypt. Corporal Barnett's various feelings towards war can also be seen in his letters. For example, in an early letter to his sister he writes "...I do hope I do not have to shoot a fellow being when at the front...", and in a later letter he writes "...we don't mind a bit coming away to help keep you all in safety...". Corporal Barnett was a carpenter and joiner by trade prior to enlisting for service during the war.