Lt. Arthur Barnes Attd 1st Bn. Somerset LI (KIA 04/02/1944)

Discussion in 'Searching for Someone & Military Genealogy' started by jjrc1991, Nov 18, 2021.

  1. jjrc1991

    jjrc1991 Junior Member

    Hi,

    I'm currently researching a number of men, one of whom is Lt. Arthur Charles John Barnes (182340)
    Originally enlisting with the Grenadier Guards he later served in The Loyal Regiment (North Lancashire)
    before being attached to the 1st Bn. Somerset LI.
    He was KIA on 04/02/1944 in Burma - Any information would be fantastic.

    Lieutenant Arthur Charles John Barnes | War Casualty Details | CWGC

    Thank you

    Jeff
     
    CL1 likes this.
  2. sol

    sol Very Senior Member

    From Official History of the Somerset Light Infantry

    The situation was very confused with the coming of first light. The Japanese took up position on the Kwazon Ridge, between Battalion H.Q. and the Brigade Administrative area. A Mountain Battery opened fire on them and Captain Smart's party had to withdraw to avoid casualties. This was unfortunate as he had shown great initiative in very successful action. The Japanese now cut all communication between Battalion H.Q. and the Administrative area, except for movement by carrier.

    B Company was with Battalion H.Q. and two platoons were formed to furnish a strong fighting patrol, under Lieut. Barnes, accompanied by Lieut. Green. This patrol left Battalion H.Q. at 1045 hours, to clear the Kwazon Ridge and reopen communication to the north. This ridge was a succession of small hills, which were precipitous. During the action both officers were wounded, Lieut. Barnes severely. Lance-Corporal D. Wright stayed with him and both were killed by enemy grenades before a stretcher party could arrive.
     
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