BARNES, George
Primary tabs
Rank:
Company Sergeant Major (later Lieutenant)
Unit / Base:
8 Commando
'Special Boat Section'
Regiment/Corps:
Grenadier Guards
King's Regiment
Service:
Army
Number:
2617252
Honours & Awards:
Sergeant George Barnes was selected for the new Folbot Troop commanded by Captain Roger Courtney which would later become No.1 Special Boat Section. Embarked for the Middle East as part of Layforce [1]. Awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East in 1941 [2][2a].
Recommendation
Special Boat Section M.E. HMS Medway Alexandria.
On 11 June 1941 this N.C.O. displayed great coolness and courage under fire during a seaborne raid of a dangerous nature into enemy territory, and by great presence of mind ensured not only the success of the operation but also the safe withdrawal of the raiding party [2a].
5 November 1942 awarded a Bar to the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East on 9/10 June 1942 [3][3a].
Recommendation
Sergeant (Acting WO2) Company Sergeant Major.
The above named, together with another N.C.O. of the Special Boat Section and an officer in charge, carried out an attack on Kastelli aerodrome, Crete, on the night 9/10 June 1942. They left their hideout on the beach on the night of 6th June and returned at 0530 on 13th June after a difficult and hazardous march through enemy occupied territory and a successful attack on their objective. Their bag amounted to seven aircraft, 210 - 60 gallon drums of petrol, 6 transport vehicles, 3 bomb dumps, and 1 large oil fuel dump. Fires and explosions are also believed to have caused 70 casualties to German personnel on the aerodrome. The success of the attack was due to the good leadership of the officer in charge, and the courage and skill of C.S.M. Barnes [3a].
6 December 1943 Emergency Commission - Second Lieutenant [4].
February 1944 (Lieutenant) serving in 2 S.B.S. 'A' Group [see Linked Content below].
Sources
[1] SBS in World War Two, author G.B. Courtney.
[2] London Gazette 35465, page 897.
[2a] National Archives file WO373/19/241.
[3] London Gazette 35771, page 4796.
[3a] National Archives file WO373/46/26.
[4] London Gazette 36313, page 78.
Photo of Commando in Gallery:
Yes
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