Orders, Decorations and Medals

A superb ‘Anzio’ Immediate M.M. group of seven awarded to Bombardier E. J. Barnes, 64th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (899429 Bmbr., R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence & War Medals; Efficiency Medal, Territorial, G.VI.R., 2nd issue (899429 Bdr., M.M. R.A.) extremely fine (7) £400-500

M.M. London Gazette 15 June 1944. The following details are taken from the original recommendation: ‘During the period 15-19 Feb 44 Major Kennedy, 444 Fd Bty, was acting in close support of the 7th Bn Oxford & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry when Bn HQ, with whom he was, became isolated and practically cut off. On 18th Feb all attempts at maintenance of the post with rations and wireless batteries had failed owing to enemy fire. On the 19th Feb, Bdr Barnes volunteered to take wireless batteries to the post, although fully aware of the hazardous nature of the enterprise. Under constant shell fire, mortar fire and sniping from small arms, Bdr Barnes accompanied by L/Bdr Hughes reached the Bn HQ and delivered the sorely needed wireless batteries. By his bravery and determination communications between Major Kennedy and his battery were thus maintained until the post was relieved, thus ensuring the fire support without which the post must have been overrun.

On his return to the Bty OP which was 400x in rear of Bn HQ, Bdr Barnes reported his mission completed to the OP officer and then helped to defend the Op which was being attacked by the enemy armed with flame throwers. Bdr Barnes continued to use his Thompson sub-machine gun in defence of the Op until wounded and the party was ordered to withdraw. By his great determination and bravery in delivering wireless batteries to his Battery Commander when sorely needed and his subsequent defence of the Op until wounded, Bdr Barnes showed a splendid example and it was largely due to his efforts that continuous support by the Artillery was maintained on the front of the 7th Bn Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry.’ Sold with A Short History of 264 (7th London) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery (T.A.), which mentions Bombardier Barnes and this action.