‘Good bloke’ Bill Barty honoured for 50 years’ membership

Bill receives his certificate from Bowen RSL Sub Branch President John Eyle

Bowen RSL Sub Branch has presented member William ‘Bill’ Barty a 50-year membership certificate honouring the veteran’s cumulative service as a member of RSL Queensland. Bill joined RSL Queensland around 15 years after returning from serving in Korea. 

“Being a member of RSL Queensland means mateship to me,” he says. “I don’t go down to the RSL very often now, but it has always been a place to catch up and see familiar faces.” 

After serving in the National Service, Bill enlisted with the Army in 1952 and served for six years, including going to Korea on the boat New Australia in 1953. 

“When I came home from Korea, I went back to Canungra to help set up the jungle training camp there,” the 89-year-old explains. “And that’s where I met my now wife, Carol.”

Bill and his wife Carol at their 65th wedding anniversary

After marrying, Bill and Carol relocated to his hometown, Bowen, where they still live today.

“After moving to Bowen, I worked in a nursing home for returned servicemen for nearly 30 years. We would go into town to buy them supplies, be a friendly face to talk to, or help them shave. It was a very different role to carers today,” he says. 

“I think back to some of the stories they used to tell. I should have written them all down!” 

Bill’s connection to Defence goes back to his father, who served in Gallipoli. 

And it’s a legacy that continues through to Bill’s grandchildren, who often march alongside him carrying ‘Grandad Robert Barty’s’ photo and medals.

Bill laying a wreath in Bowen for Korean War veterans on ANZAC Day

Bill’s daughter-in-law Fiona says he continued being of service in his community long after he served in Defence. 

“He drops newspapers to older neighbours and does a lot of little things to help others,” Fiona says.

“He’s been awarded Citizen of the Year and Senior Citizen of the Year in Bowen for his community service.” 

“Bill is held in very high regard in our town. Not only because he is a good bloke, but because he’s played a big part in our RSL community and he has a lot of respect.”

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