Category: Military
Rank: Sapper
Regiment or Ship: 2nd Home Counties Field Company Royal Engineers
Service Number(s): 534688; 2078
Occupation: House Painter
Date of Birth: 10.03.1876
Place of Birth: Eastbourne, Sussex
Date of Death: 18.02.1962
Place of Death: Battle registration area
Address: 9 Chandler Road, Bexhill on Sea
Photos and newspaper articles
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Family Information
Mark married Rose Bishop in 1908 and they had two children – Ellen Joy Violet Barnard, born 25th September 1908; and Sidney Barnard, born 6th November 1913.
When Mark died he was living at 25 St. George’s Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, and he left £486-18s to his widow, Rose.
First World War Experience
Mark enlisted in June 1915 and was sent to France with the B.E.F. on 23rd. At the time of his enlistment he was 38 and living at 9 Chandler Road, Bexhill on Sea. He was 5’ 6” tall, with a 36” chest – expansion 2½”, with 6/6 vision in both eyes. He was of a dark complexion with brown eyes and dark hair. His physical development was good and he had a scar on his upper lip and right elbow. He was a Non-Conformist. His next of kin was his wife, Rose Barnard, whose address he gave as 11 Chandler Road – even though his given address was number 9. He was working as a Painter with Mr Ellis, a Painter and Decorator in Bexhill.
He left for the Front with the B.E.F. on 23rd June 1915 to serve in France. Sometime during his service he had an accident – unfortunately, no date appears on the relevant paperwork but the first mention is in a statement which reads:
“Sir, In regard to the accident to Sapper Barnard, M. J., R.E., on 25th instant, he was running a rear wheel from the pontoon wagons to the road where the lorry was standing, about 300 yards away.
I did not see the accident myself but 139673 Sapper Smith A. T. called me when it occurred.
The road was in a very bad condition where the accident happened.
Apparently, he slipped in the mud and the wheel fell on top of him; his leg had been bandaged up by a Belgian Medical Officer who immediately sent him to the Hospital.
Signed L/Cpl. Courtnage. “
Mark’s left tibia had been broken and an investigation took place where several people who were on the scene gave statements. He was left with a 20% disability.
Mark was awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.