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 In Memory of Private JOHN EDWARD BARCLAY
1710, 8th Bn., Australian Infantry, A.I.F. who died age 22 on 21 June 1915 Son of L. and Elizabeth N. Barclay; husband of Louisa Mary Barclay, of 88, Carlisle ST., St. Kilda, Victoria, Australia. Remembered with honour SHRAPNEL VALLEY CEMETERY
"I've no darling now, I'm weeping, Baby and I you left alone" The inscription on Pte Barclay's tombstone is catching, somewhat challenging and invariably leaves vistors choked and tearful. A silent testimony to a family tragedy.
Author John Hamilton uncovered the story of Baby and left the photo of Baby on Pte Barclay's grave in 2007. Baby, his son, is Jack Barclay, a World War Two digger, who is now also deceased. Pte John Barclay, the father who is buried in Shrapnel Valley, was married to his childhood sweetheart Louisa ( Louie) Mary Clark. She was pregnant when John sailed for Gallipoli with the 8th Bn. Their son, Jack, was born on October 12,1915, four months after his father was killed on Gallipoli. Louise was responsible for the moving epitaph. John Barclay's brother Tommy also served on Gallipoli with the 6th Battalion and survived the war. --0--
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