Barr, Hugh
No.337 – Sergeant Hugh Barr MM – 44th Battalion AIF
Hugh Barr was born in Larne Ireland in 1888 to Samuel and Margaret Barr. He had several siblings and was educated in Larne. His father Samuel died in Larne Harbour in 1907. After Hugh left school, he took to the ocean where he became a sailor. He came to Western Australia on 6th October 1912 aboard the ship Wyola. After disembarking in Fremantle he took up residence in the Port City. He soon secured employment on the Coastal Steamer “Western Australia”. His stayed much of the time with his cousin Jessie Lane who resided at 27 Henry Street Fremantle.
On the 7th of January 1916 Hugh offered his services to the AIF. He was assessed by the medical examiner who found Hugh to be 5 feet & 6 ¼ inches; weight of 140 lbs; chest measurement of 35-37 inches; fresh complexion; blue eyes & brown hair. His religious denomination was Church of England. Passed as fit, Hugh was assigned to No.44 Depot, and then allotted to B Company of the newly forming 44th Battalion.
The 44th Battalion was based at Claremont Show Grounds for the next few months of their training in WA. On the 6th June 1916, the 44th Battalion embarked aboard the Suevic from Fremantle, arriving at Plymouth England on the 21st July 1916. Hugh had got into trouble during the voyage when he broke away in Colombo without permission and was given fatigues as a punishment for the rest of the voyage.
The next four months in England would be spent training on the Salisbury Plains getting ready for their service on the Western Front. Hugh once again got into trouble, when on the 11th October he disobeyed a lawful command from his Senior Officer in that he left the ranks without permission and when ordered to return refused to do so. He also used obscene language towards an NCO. Hugh was given 4 days Field Punishment No.2 by Lt-Col Mansbridge. Hugh was definitely racking up his punishments while in training. Another serious offence occurred when he went AWOL from the 30th October 1916 to 20th November 1916. When he returned he was given 21 days Field Punishment and the forfeiture of 42 days pay. This punishment did not stop Hugh traveling to France, where he arrived with his battalion on the 25th November.
The 44th Battalion went into the line for the first time near Armentieres and once in the line Hugh’s discipline improved as he had no more infractions. On the 11th January 1917, Hugh was sent to Hospital sick and was admitted to No.10 Field Ambulance with a septic foot. He was back with the 44th Battalion a week later, though on the 23rd February was back in hospital when he was admitted to No.11 Field Ambulance with Tonsillitis. He was back with the 44th by the 10th March 1917.
The 44th Battalion undertook a large trench raid in March, and it is thought Hughie took part. However the battalion was soon on the move to Ploegsteert Wood and they would be stationed here until the Battle of Messines. Hugh wrote to his mother that;
I am in charge of the Company Scouts and has been for some time and I am well on my way for Stripes now. I could have had them long ago only for the red lines in my book for overstaying leave, that 21 days in breaking the ship at Durban & Capetown…The colonel, Capt and all the Heads think I am just it. I have been on all their trench raids and out over the top every night. Any information they want about Fritz’s trenches or wire I am on the job and I will be well on the ball for Home Leave as soon as it starts.
Hugh got through the Battle of Messines and was soon after promoted to Corporal. He wrote to his mother after coming out of the line;
We have just come out of the trenches again for a spell and I can tell you we have well earned it. We have had it fairly hot since the advance and up over the waist in mud. We had very heavy casualties this time also. He is not too pleased (Fritz) getting knocked back here he is trying to have a piece of his own back. I have got my two stripes now, have had them since the 17th of last month and that is something, it means another 4 shillings a day, that is 10/- a day instead of 6/-…and don’t worry about me. I know this job is not to sweet but we must carry on. I am not fretting or downhearted. I go into the trenches prepared to take on any job my mates have to do. That is the spirit we box on with. If it is good enough for one it is good enough for all…I am lucky never had a wound yet and there are not too many of the old boys left.
In September he was promoted to Lance Sergeant and in October to Sergeant.
Hugh survived the 44th’s first actions at the Third Battle of Ypres where he was awarded the Military Medal for bravery, though unfortunately on the 13th October he was killed by a shell. It was reported that Hugh was buried, with the map reference being Sheet 412W B686. After the war when the Imperial War Grave Authorities came through the area it was initially thought that they had exhumed his grave to Tyne Cot British Cemetery. (Report Passchendaele 51.502E) However it seems that there was a mistake on entering the details of the soldier that had been located. Upon further investigation the Imperial War Graves staff discovered that the soldier they had found was actually No.10531 Private Urban Parr of the 3rd Division Signal Company (Plot XXIII.G.4). Thus Hugh Barr’s battlefield grave was not discovered and he is therefore commemorated on the Menin gate Memorial.
His mother Margaret in Larne Ireland would receive a pension of 53/9d per fortnight after Hughie’s death. As his next of kin she would also receive his personal effects and war medals.
Captain Skinner, Hughie’s Company Commander wrote the following letter to Mrs. Barr.
My dear Mrs. Barr
Please allow me to offer you the sympathy of my officers, N.C.O’s and men as well as my own in your sad bereavement.
Your son has been given by God the greatest privilege of all – that of a soldier’s death fighting for right. If it will ease your mind I would like to tell you that death was instantaneous. He was killed by a shell and buried by some comrades between Ypres & Passchendaele 13.10.1917.
Mrs. Barr, I, as Hughie’s Company Commander, can assure you he was much valued in this company. Both by his comrades and Officers. I have often been with him on patrol in No Mans Land and therefore knew his sterling worth. All I can say is that he was always a true soldier, devoted to duty.
I remain, Yours Sincerely. Roy Skinner Capt. 44th Btn.