Corporal James Brown Barclay

 Thanks to Gary Mitchell for permission to share this post.

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30 October 2021

Served bravely and suffered during The Great War, resting at Sandgate Cemetery, Honour and Dignity restored.

81 years ago today, on the Wednesday afternoon of the 30th October 1940, Corporal James Brown Barclay, (M.S.M.), 34th Battalion (Reg No-362), wheeler from Michael Street, O'Brien's Estate, Cessnock, New South Wales and Swan Bay, N.S.W. and Docker Street, Marks Point, N.S.W., father of three (Barbara May, James Brown, Gloria), was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 53. BAPTIST-D NE. 11.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article132797994 - funeral notice does not state service.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article132805352 - obituary.

Born at Wickham, New South Wales on the 22nd January 1887 to Joseph Brown and Margaret Barclay nee Brady of Clyde Street, Hamilton North, N.S.W.; husband of Barbara Barclay nee Batey (married 1906, New Lambton, N.S.W., died 1970?) of Clyde Street, Hamilton North, N.S.W., James enlisted January 1916 at West Maitland, N.S.W.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123392643 - report of enlistment.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137093366 - report of enlistment.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137107524 - report of farewell banquet and presentation at Cessnock, N.S.W. (Bellbird Miners' Lodge).

Wounded in action - 3.3.1918 (GSW left thigh and left foot, severe).

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138158615 - reported wounded.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159098396 - reported wounded.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138161589 - reported in hospital.

James returned home September 1918, being discharged medically unfit on the 30th March 1919.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140983024 - reported returning home.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137499485 - welcome home and presentation of medal at the Hamilton Mechanics' Institute.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159364761 - Medals at Hamilton.

Awarded Meritorious Service Medal, 25.7.1918.

For consistent meritorious service and devotion to duty during the period 22nd September, 1917 to 24th February, 1918. As a signaller and linesman this man has on many occasions performed invaluable work in maintaining the Battalion communications under heavy shell fire and adverse climatic conditions. He did especially good work in the 3rd Battle of YPRES in October, 1917. He has always been an inspiring example to his comrades.

Australians were awarded 1237 Meritorious Service Medals for gallantry or meritorious service in connection with the First World War.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159362450 - report that James has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

Mr. Barclay’s name has been inscribed on the Hamilton (Gregson Park) War Memorial (as BARKLEY), Hamilton Municipal District Roll of Honor (photo, unveiled date unknown, 619 names inscribed, 87 Fallen, proudly displayed at the Fort Scratchley Military Museum, N.S.W.), Cessnock War Memorial and the Hamilton-Rose of Hamilton Lodge, G.U.O.O.F. Roll of Honour.

I located James resting in an unmarked grave, now long forgotten, so August 2015 I placed a cross adorned with poppies on the gravesite, taken a photo of the grave and uploaded the photo onto the Northern Cemetery website as a permanent record of his service.

http://sandgate.northerncemeteries.com.au/.../index.php...

I submitted an application to DVA May 2018 asking for a Commonwealth War Graves Plaque, curbing and marble chip, and this was accepted June 2018, completed October 2018.

Older brother Joseph Brown (35th Battalion, Reg No-2278, born 1881, died 1943) also resting at the cemetery, unmarked grave, wooden cross erected 22.8.2015 - GENERAL-28. 53. I submitted an application to DVA October 2018 asking for a Commonwealth War Graves Plaque, curbing and marble chip, but unfortunately this was declined November 2018.

Lest We Forget.