John Barry was one of those selected to be promoted. He was promoted to Lance-Corporal, on a date not specified. After a brief but intensive period of training, the contingent was declared ready for departure for South Africa and preparations began for the embarkation of the troops, horses, wagons, maxim guns and other equipment. After a parade and civic reception at the Perth Town Hall, the contingent left Perth by train and set off for Albany, where they were to embark aboard the transport MEDIC. Lance-Corporal Barry was promoted to Corporal on the 7th of November 1899, prior to the departure of the contingent. Arriving in Albany on the 7th of November, the contingent, now joined by the artillerymen from Albany boarded the MEDIC, which also carried the South Australian, Tasmanian and Victorian units that were also sailing for South Africa. Arriving at Cape Town on the 2th of November, the four companies were joined by a New South Wales company and formed "The Australia Regiment ", although each company would serve in its own right. Stationed at Naauport, the Regiment was converted to Mounted Infantry and thus the title of the West Australian unit became the 1st West Australian Mounted Infantry ( 1st W.A.M.I. ). Corporal John Barry was promoted to Sergeant, in the field, date not specified. On the 15th of October 1900, the 1st W.A.M.I., were inspected by lord Roberts in Pretoria and were complimented on their work. On 13th of December 1900,the 1st W.A.M.I. left Cape Town aboard the transport ORIENT, for return to Australia, with Sergeant Barry amongst them.