Marine Wilfred Barks, 'X' troop, was awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry during operations in Burma [1].

Arakan 1945. At Hill 170 near Kangaw on 31 January 1945, during a counter attack by his troop when all three of his officers and his TSM had become casualties, Marine Barks took charge of a party of Marines and with great determination held a sector of the positions gained against repeated attacks. He pulled out a large number of wounded and remained in charge until the evening, when the party was relieved. His self reliance and fighting spirit were a splendid example to the remaining men. [Recommended for DCM, awarded MM] [2].

Mrs. Ethel Barks, wife of Marine Wilfred John Barks (28), of 7, Cornhill Cottages, Allestree, has received a letter from the Admiralty to say that her husband has been awarded the Military Medal "for bravery and undaunted devotion to duty while serving with the 15th Indian Corps." Marine Barks was among the British Commandos who stormed the beaches on the Arakan coast in the first landings at Myebon, 36 miles east of Akyab. They landed again near Kangaw, cutting the only motor escape route from Arakan. Before he joined up four and a half years ago Marine Barks was employed by the Derby Gas Company. He has been overseas nearly two years. The son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Barks, of 36, Church Street, Spondon, Marine Barks was pupil of St. John's School, Derby. He has a five-years old son, Brian [3].