Daily record article on Lt. Barton DSO MC, No.2 Cdo., dated 13 July'44
Courtesy of David Justice, son of Len Justice , No.2 Cdo. Posted by Pete R.
nb. These are simply newspaper cuttings from WW2 and propaganda on all sides took place. Whilst they are of significant interest, they cannot always be regarded as completely accurate in their content
Update by Pete R. Lt Bernard James Barton of No.2 Commando, s/n 134120, took part in several recce operations on Brac. On one of these he donned shepherds clothing to get past guards and kill the German Commandant. On these and others he brought back prisoners and information. This is all confirmed in the No.2 Commando war diaries and other reports from the National Archives. The war diaries after these operations refer to him as Lt. B.J. Barton DSO MC. and show him being promoted to Captain and placed in command of 5 Troop No.2. On the 20th July 1944 he is shown as being told that he could no longer participate in their theatre of operations as the details of his exploits on Brac, including his name and the fact that he donned shepherds clothing, had been published in every English newspaper. Thus placing him at great risk if he was ever captured. Note the entry of the 20th July in the war diary is 7 days after the article here was published on the 13th July 44.
Read more about him in our Archive: Bernard James Barton DSO* MC
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