This book is a fascinating chronicle of the early Barnetts on the Macleay River and Charlie's impressive career with the Australian Army.

Charlie's ancestor, William Barnett, was an employee of famous architect, John Verge, and worked on his estate in the early 1900's.

Bennett lagoon on South West Rocks road near Austral Eden was where the family built their house, and three generations of Barnett's were raised there.

Also, having kept a diary since entering Duntroon for Royal Millitary training, Charlie has over 30 years of experiences in the military which he shares in the book.

As an Army Aviator he served in PNG, Vietnam, UK and US, his career culminating in Command of the 1st Aviation Regiment comprising Bell 206 reconnaissance helicopters.

Below is an excerpt of his journaled thoughts after arriving back in Australia from his deployment in Vietnam.

'We had done our duty, but the ungrateful public blamed us for Vietnam and not the perpetrators, our politicians'.

The book is available now from Kempsey Museum for $30 and at the book launch.

RSVP for the book launch (free) to 6562 7572 or email mrhs5@bigpond.com, it will begin at 11 am on November 1.

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