Born circa 1849 London, England

"William Barnes, a petty officer on board the Cerberus, was aged 30. He was a married man, but had no children, and entered the colonial service on the 29th December 1877, having been previously in the Royal Navy, where he was at one time chief boatswain's mate in the flying squadron engaged in the China War." The Argus Page 6, 7 March 1881

"The other poor fellows, whose bodies are missing, were William Barnes, a petty officer of the Cerberus, and Harry Timberley and James Wilkie, able bodied seamen belonging to that vessel." The Brisbane Courier, 23 March 1881

Memorial to those who died in the 1881 "Torpedo Accident".
photo by David Joy 2001.

A benefit concert given on Saturday night in aid of the victims of the late torpedo accident was well attended. The South Australian Advertiser, 5 April 1881

To the mother and tbe widow of William Barnes,who was killed by the torpedo accident off Queenscliff, £100 each.

The Argus, 23 September 1881 

To the Widow of William Barnes, who was killed by the Torpedo Accident off Queenscliff - £200

Supplement to the Victorian Government Gazette, 30 December 1881

William's widow mentioned in the Supplement to the Victorian Government Gazette, 30 December 1881 as receiving £200 compensation for her husband who was killed by the Torpedo Accident off Queenscliff.