Description
Military Medal, GVI, 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, Defence, War, 6405804 Acting Corporal S.C. Barnes, The Buffs East Kent Regiment.
Military Medal officially impressed: “6405804 A. Cpl. S.C. Barnes. The Buffs.”
WW2 campaign medals unnamed as issued.
Military Medal announced in the London Gazette, 7th December 1944.
This recommendation reads:
“On 30th May 1944, Corporal Barnes was a section commander in the leading platoon of the 5th Battalion, The Buffs, during the advanced on Point 271, near Ripi.
On arrival on the objective, Corporal Barnes led his section with great skill and daring and succeeded in taking five German prisoners. His platoon then consolidated the position on this feature.
Shortly after placing his section a German despatch rider walked towards his position. Corporal Barnes immediately jumped up and chased after him, firing as he advanced.
Immediately following on this incident, his section was attacked by approximately a platoon of enemy.
Corporal Barnes remained perfectly calm and commanded his section with great courage and determination.
The attackers were driven off, having suffered severe casualties.
There were no casualties at all in Corporal Barnes’ section.
During the following night, Corporal Barnes gave great help to the Company stretcher-bearers who were trying to evacuate the Company Commander, who had been badly wounded.
Throughout the whole operation, Corporal Barnes led his section with great skill and set a magnificent example to all the men in his section.
It was largely due to his great efforts that the Company was able to hold on to the position against all enemy attacks.’
Sydney Charles Barnes was a member of the 5th Battalion “The Buffs” during World War 2.
He was brave and was also wounded multiple times during the war.
He was first listed as wounded in Italy on 21st June 1944, not long after his acts of gallantry that would lead to the Military Medal.
He was again wounded in action on 19th April 1945 still serving in Italy, on this day the 5th Buffs captured Benivignante taking over 60 prisoners who were fortified in the town.
On the 19th April 1945, according to the 5th Buffs War Diary, they advanced through to Consandola “with considerable difficulty owing ot numerous anti tank obstacles encountered across the country up route 16 was not started until 1 am.
At 3 am that morning the advanced up route 15 without contact being made with the enemy, until they reached the outskirts of Benivignante.
The enemy was established in the village in some strength, but they were driven out of the town after considerable fighting, which resulted in the capture of 60 German Prisoners including several wounded.
At 4 Am, the established themselves in Benivignante and C Coy followed by Y Company pushed on towards SOuth NIcola Ferrarbas meeting some enemy opposition, they captured further prisoners. Whilst B Company took up the positions in the outskirts of Benivignante and Tactical HQ moved into the village. By first light C and Y Company were established.
At 6:30 Am, B company reported that 2 “SP” Self-Propelled Artillery guns were firing on their position.
