The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details Barnes, Harry Rank: Guardsman Service No: 2615239 Regiment: 3 Battalion Grenadier Guards Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy Award: Military Medal Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 08 March 1945 Date 1945 Catalogue reference WO 373/10 1st Guards Brigade, 78th Division, 13 Corps 2615239 Guardsman Harry BARNES, 3rd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS On MONTE BATTAGLIA (ITALY 1/50000 Sheet 99(iv) 0617), during the period 4th October - 12th October, Guardsman BARNES was a stretcher bearer to No. 4 Company, 3rd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS. The Company were holding the castle area for six days and seven nights during which time the enemy mortar and shellfire, was virtually incessant. The stretcher bearers were continually at work and always under this harassing mortar fire and often shelled by 150 m.m. guns. The position was on an almost precipitous slope and in the wet weather rendered the carrying of wounded an extremely difficult operation. Guardsman BARNES was quite outstanding throughout the whole period, completely regardless of his own safety, tending and cheering the wounded in spite of the appalling conditions. There is no doubt that BARNES' example and skill had a great effete on the Company, so that when it was attacked on the 11th of October, not only was it still holding its positions, but was able to inflict many casualties on the enemy. Signed E. NELSON, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 3rd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS, 16th October 1944 Granted an Immediate M.M.
