Private Frank Barton, in a very interesting letter to his father, Mr. C. T. Barton, of Raleigh street, Essendon, from "Somewhere in France," dated 10th July, 1916, described the writer as being in the best of health and spirits, and as fit as a fiddle. Since he left home, he has "had the time of his life," especially since he left the desert country. This trip had been one of pleasure and education, and he hopes to be able to recount his experiences at the termination of hostilities.

He describes the splendid reception the Australians received on landing in France, and the journey through the rich green fields. He says the "boys" were like school children, and it was a real pleasure to travel through such a beautiful county. All along the line the people ran out and shouted "Long Live Australia," and the girls threw kisses. Although they were in the train for nearly four days they did not tire of it; in fact, they were inclined to be sorry when nearing the finish, as everything was so new and interesting. The troops received regular meals at the stations, everything being in readiness when the train pulled up. The prevalence of mourning apparel and the boom of the guns brought home to them the object of their mission. The French people think a lot of the Australians, and Private Barton was pleased to be one of them. They had behaved splendidly, and were ready to do their part.

He was billeted in a village close to the firing line, and all day and night the guns were going off. This made no difference to them as they were used to the sound. The boys were full of fun and in the best of spirits. "No wonder the people call our boys the fearless lot. They do not seem to know what fear is, and while others may go about with long faces, our fellows are always the same cheerful lot, and they can not make us out at all."

Private Barton has met a lot of his old camp and school mates, and it was quite like old times to mingle with them. Among those he has seen are Frank Howe, Reg Jones, Len Tyzack, Doddrell boys and many others. He was sorry to read in an issue of the "Essendon Gazette," while in the desert, that Gus Stelling, whom he had known since childhood, had lost his life and extended his sympathy to this brave lad's parents.

In the concluding lines of his epistle, Private Barton says: "Within a day or two I shall be called on to do my duty, and I will carry it out to the best of my ability. I feel fit, and am glad my time has come to prove what I am made of. I don't think I shall fail in doing my bit towards protecting the rights of civilised people, such as our own, and the lovely French people who have suffered so much. I am bent on seeing it through, and sincerely hope I will survive the ordeal and return safely home in the near future."

OUR SOLDIERS. (1916, September 21). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 3 Edition: Morning.. Retrieved February 9, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74594199

The engagement is announced [of] Simonie Dailly, younger daughter [of Monsieur and Madame Dailly, of Ma[...] Amiens, France, to Bombardier Stuart Barton, on active service, second son of Mr. and Mrs Charles H T. Barton, "Moruya," Raleigh [street] Essendon.   

SOCIAL BREVITES. (1917, July 5). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 2 Edition: Morning. Retrieved May 18, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74603050