Number: Trooper 881

Battalion: 8th Light Horse

Place of Birth: "Redbank" Stratford Gippsland Victoria

Next of Kin: His mother, Augustine Barton of
Buffalo Creek South Gippsland,
the property was called "Tarwin Park".

Date and place of enlistment: Meeniyan 31/11/1914

Physical details on enlistment: Age 30 years, 5'6 ½ ',
9 Stone 6 pounds, blue eyes and dark brown hair.

Religion: Church of England

Occupation: farmer

Date and place of death: He was killed in action on 7/8/1915
at the charge on the Nek, Gallipoli.
His file says killed at Walker's Ridge.

Location of memorial: He is on the Lone Pine Memorial Gallipoli Turkey

Relationship to Woorayl Shire: Ernest lived in Buffalo on the farm of his parents and was a well known member of the community

Military History:

He has his name on Meeniyan Honour Roll
30/11/14 He enlisted Meeniyan
His form was signed by J Allen McDonald JP
7/5/15 He embarked Melbourne on HMAT Palermo
5/8/15 He arrived in Gallipoli
7/8/15 He was killed in action
His father received a parcel of effects consisting of only an electric torch via Thomas Cook and the Demosthenes. Mrs. Barton wrote asking why there was only a torch.
Mrs. Barton applied for a copy of the register of the Lone Pine Memorial with his name on it.
In 1922 the family received the Victory Medal and the Memorial plaque
A report in The Great Southern Star told of the death of Ernie Barton and Tom Murray at Gallipoli.

On September 17th The Star reported the deaths of two soldiers from Buffalo, Ernest Barton and Thomas Murray. Tom Murray was the captain of the cricket team and took a keen interest in the sport. He would travel over long distances for a good game of cricket. Ernie Barton was secretary of many societies and was also secretary of the committee, which organised the annual picnic and sports day. He was also captain of the Meeniyan football team for a season11/11/14

There is road called Barton�s Rd, which runs from Fish Creek � Meeniyan Rd and west to the Tarwin River.