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Auction: 24002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 215

A Great War M.C. group of four awarded to Captain A. A. Barrett, Royal Berkshire Regiment, late Royal Fusiliers, who suffered a gunshot wound to his leg during the advance on the first day of the Battle of Passchendaele

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (49 Cpl A. A. Barrett. R. Fus:); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oakleaves (Capt. A. A. Barrett.), toning, overall very fine (4)

M.C. London Gazette 26 July 1918:

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during long operations as acting Adjutant of the battalion. Throughout he displayed high courage, initiative and a complete grasp of the situations, and was of the greatest value to the C.O. On one occasion he took command of a company in a counter-attack, which reached its objective, and organised a new line under heavy fire, showing a total disregard for danger.'

Arthur Alan Barrett was born in Hinckley, Leicester in 1892 and was working as a bank clerk in Newbury when he enlisted with the 19th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (2nd Public Schools Battalion) in September 1914. He was appointed Lance-Corporal and later Corporal before embarking for France with his Regiment in November 1915. After the unit was disbanded in April 1916, Barrett was granted temporary commission as a 2nd Lieutenant with the 9th Battalion, Royal Berkshires before later joining the 6th Battalion in Guestraville, France in August 1916.

Barrett suffered a gun shot wound to his right calf during an advance on the first day of the Battle of Passchendaele on 31 July 1917 in Zillebeke, Belgium. He embarked for Dover from Calais soon afterwards and spent time in the Northern General Hospital, Leicester until he was determined fit for service by the Medical Board in November 1917. Early the next year, Barrett joined the 2nd Royal Berkshires at Warrington Camp in France and was promoted Lieutenant. He earned his Military Cross for acts of gallantry displayed west of the Somme from March to April 1918 and was appointed Acting Captain while acting as Adjutant on 11 June 1918.

Upon demobilisation, Barrett relinquished the acting rank of Captain and later relinquished his commission upon the completion of his service on 1 September 1921, after which he was granted the rank of Captain. Barrett tragically committed suicide on 2 March 1930 at Greenham Common after working as an accountant in Newbury, and was interred at Newbury Cemetery; sold together with a large quantity of comprehensive copied research.

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Sold for
£850

Starting price
£480