Colin Tiny Barber in France, 1940

Discussion in '1940' started by Browno, Aug 17, 2021.

  1. Browno

    Browno Fake news challenger

    60CC2F34-71F5-472E-A0F7-F9B8D01D0688.jpeg

    Colin “Tiny” Barber who led 15th Div in 1944-45 was in France in 1940 and I am trying to find out his movements.

    At some point before 10th May he was Major Barber, G2 of 51st Highland Division but by May when he earned his first DSO (two bars, not one were awarded in 1944) he was in Polforce near Arras.

    His citation states he commanded what looks like “Don Details” and his exemplary leadership of these ad-hoc companies led to his award.

    Does anyone know what these Don Details were and how Barber ended up in Polforce?

    Thanks

    Adam
     
  2. Browno

    Browno Fake news challenger

    I should add that some sources I’ve seen suggest Barber was CO of 4th Camerons in France. He didn’t take command of the battalion until its reconstitution in the renumbered 9th Div in November 1940.

    Adam
     
  3. Tony56

    Tony56 Member Patron

    Reputedly the Britain's tallest general:
    Barber1.jpg
     
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  4. MarkN

    MarkN Banned

  5. Browno

    Browno Fake news challenger

  6. Browno

    Browno Fake news challenger

    Thanks Mark. That's a very useful short biography. Can I ask where it came from?

    Kind regards

    Adam
     
  7. MarkN

    MarkN Banned

    Half-yearly Army List. Can't recall from memory which edition, but Jan '42 or '43 seem likely.
     
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  8. AB64

    AB64 Senior Member

    A few more pics of him


    Scan11869.JPG Scan11870.JPG Scan11872.JPG Scan11875.JPG
     
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  9. Markyboy

    Markyboy Member

    I had to smile at this one. My surname changed when my mum remarried, but I was originally a Barber. I happen to be 6ft7 and am from Kent where this gent seems to have settled according to Wikipedia!
     
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  10. Tony56

    Tony56 Member Patron

    Barber2.jpg
     
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  11. Browno

    Browno Fake news challenger

    Thanks Mark. I'll have to have a look at it. Looks like a useful resource for other officers.

    Thanks

    Adam
     
  12. Browno

    Browno Fake news challenger

    "Don Details" were BEF men returning from leave and Barber may have been in the same position if he was still the 51st's intelligence officer according to the army list but caught up with the main body of the BEF.

    Adam
     

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