Orders, Decorations and Medals

Three: Second Lieutenant J. A. Barrett, Essex Regiment, late Royal Fusiliers, killed in action, 28 April 1917

1914-15 Star (50 Pte., R. Fus.); British War and Victory Medals (2 Lieut.); Memorial Plaque (John Aislabie Barrett) nearly extremely fine (4) £400-500

John (Jack) Aislabie Barrett was born in Newmarket on 6 June 1894. A Farmer by occupation, he attested for the Royal Fusiliers on 10 September 1914. With the 19th Battalion he served in France/Flanders, November 1915-May 1916. He was discharged to a commission in August 1916. Serving as a 2nd Lieutenant with the 13th Battalion Essex Regiment, he was killed in action on 28 April 1917. Originally declared to be ‘missing in action’, a report from a soldier clarified his status, stating, ‘Pte. H. Pugh states that 2/Lt. Barrett was hit by shrapnel and did not move after he fell. He (Pte. Pugh) was wounded shortly afterwards and on reaching a Dressing Station, was told by a soldier whose name he does not remember that the officer was dead. In view of this evidence and the lapse of time since he was reported Missing the death of the above named officer has now been accepted for official purposes as having occured ‘in action on the 28th April, 1917’’. 2nd Lieutenant Barrett, having no known grave, his name is commemorated on the Arras Memorial. Sold with copied service papers.