NUMBER:
Trooper 881

BATTALION / UNIT / SHIP:
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"

PLACE OF ENLISTMENT:
Meeniyan, Victoria 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

PLACE & DATE OF DEATH:
He was killed in action on 7/8/1915 at Nek, Gallipoli. His file says killed at Walker's Ridge

LOCATION OF GRAVE/MEMORIAL:
He is on the Lone Pine Memorial Gallipoli, Turkey

RELATIONSHIP TO WOORAYL SHIRE:
Ernest lived in Buffalo, Victoria on the farm of his parents and was a well-known member of the community

MILITARY/OTHER HISTORY:
◈ He has his name on Meeniyan Honour Roll
◈ 30/11/1914 He enlisted Meeniyan
◈ His form was signed by J Allen McDonald JP
◈ 7/5/1915 He embarked Melbourne on HMAT Palermo
◈ 5/8/1915 He arrived in Gallipoli
◈ 7/8/1915 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 17/9/1915 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 season
◈ There is road called Barton's Rd, which runs from Fish Creek-Meeniyan Rd west to the Tarwin River