Barnett, Benjamin Arthur (Captain, b.1908 - d.1979)

Collection relating to the Second World War service of VX29818 Captain Benjamin Arthur Barnett, 8 Division Signals, Changi Prisoner of War Camp, Singapore, 1942-1946.

This collection consists of telegrams, letters, postcards, and documents relating to Barnett’s capture as a Prisoner of War, life in Changi, liberation, and discharge from the army. In his brief postcards home, Barnett mentions his weight, playing cricket, thinking of loved ones, the well-being of his friend “Fred”, and receiving mail. In a later letter to a friend, he writes about hearing about the Japanese surrender via a secret radio in the camp, expresses relief that none of his friends from home were killed, and mentions the unpopularity of American troops.

The collection includes:
- 1 x telegram from Minister for the Army to Barnett’s family, dated 6 January 1943, informing them of Barnett’s status as a prisoner of war
- 5 x postcards from Barnett to his family, dated between 20 June 1942 and 13 August 1944.
- 1 x note regarding pay of Barnett, dated 21 July 1944
- 1 x Broadcast transcript from Barnett to his family, and accompanying letter from Victoria Echelon and Records, dated 6 March 1945
- 1 x notice in Japanese script from Changi Goal, dated 28 August 1945
- 1 x telegram from Minister for the Army to Barnett’s family, dated 14 September 1945, informing them of Barnett’s liberation
- 1 x letter from Barnett to friend Mrs H. Ralston Ingram, dated 14 September 1945
- 2 x newspaper clippings relating to Barnett
- 1 x Demobilisation Procedure Book
- 1 x Certificate of Service of an Officer, dated 19 November 1945
- 1 x Entitlement to War Gratuity and accompanying envelope, dated 3 March 1946

After the Second World War, Barnett represented Australia as a test cricketer.