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Auction: 25113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 142

The 1914 Star to Private C. Barr, Royal West Kent Regiment, who died of wounds on 19 April 1915 and who was also 'mentioned' in June 1915

1914 Star (SR- 8702 Pte C. Barr. 1/R.W. Kent R.), very fine

M.I.D. London Gazette 18 June 1915.

Charles Barr was born on 24 October 1893 in Deptford, South East London, to Joseph 'John' Barr, a general dealer, and Matilda Barr nee Haynes - he was their second son. In the 1911 census, his father Joseph was working as an engine driver, and Charles, as a fishmonger. Barr enlisted at New Cross on 26 February 1913 with the 1st Battalion, Queen's Own (Royal West Kent) Regiment. Upon the outbreak of the First World War, Barr was sent to the Western Front on 8 November 1914. He died of wounds just five months later, on the 19 April 1915 in No. 13 Stationary Hospital. He is buried in Boulogne Eastern Cemetery with a headstone inscribed:

'In loving memory of my dear son gone but not forgotten from his loving mother.'

On the 18 June 1915, Barr was mentioned in dispatches in the London Gazette and further mentioned in De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour:

'Private. No. 8702, 1st Bn. The Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regt.), 2nd s. of the late John Barr, General Dealer, by his wife, Matilda (39, Frankham Street, Deptford, S.E.), dau. of Herbert Edward Haynes ; B. Deptford, 24 Oct. 1893 ; educ. Frankham Street there ; enlisted 26 Feb. 1913 ; went to France on the outbreak of war in 1914 ; was mentioned in Despatches by F. M. Sir John (now Lord) French [ London Gazette, 22 June, 1915 ], for gallant and distinguished service in the field, and died in No. 13 Stationary Hospital, 19 April, 1915, from wounds received in action ; unm.'

Barr was also mentioned in his regiment's regimental history, Invicta: '[Barr] was conspicuous for his devotion to duty at all times' (please note the incorrect date under which his death was recorded in the book). He was also further entitled to British War and Victory Medals, and his pension was received by his mother, Matilda.

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Estimate

Starting price
£40