John James Barber, MM
alias Jack Barbor

 

Sep 2, 1886

Born at Hull England

 

Jun 25, 1915

Attested into the 59th Battalion as Jack Barbor 

His name was later changed to John James Barber 

Ø      Number 454495

Ø      Next of kin given as Mrs Jack Barbor (wife) of Hopewell Ave, Ottawa Ontario

Ø      Previous occupation given as Bartender

Ø      Previous military experience given as 3 years with GGFG (Governor General’s Foot Guard)

Ø      Religion given as Church of England

Ø      Assigned to the Machine Gun Section

 

Oct 1, 1915

Promoted to rank of Cpl

 

Apr 1, 1916

Embarked the SS Olympic at Halifax Nova Scotia

 

 

Apr 11, 1916

Disembarked at Liverpool England and proceeded to the Shorncliffe Camp 

Promoted to rank of Sgt

 

Apr 18, 1916

Proceeded on the Lewis Gun Course at Aldershot

 

May 6, 1916

Returned to duty from course

 

Jul 6, 1916

Transferred to and TOS (Taken On Strength) the 39th Reserve Battalion at West Sandling Camp

 

Aug 24, 1916

Reverts to rank of Pte at own request in order to proceed to France

 

Aug 27, 1916

Embarked for France

 

Aug 28, 1916

Arrived at CBD (Canadian Base Depot) at Havre France and TOS the 21st Battalion

 

Sep 12, 1916

Left for 2nd Canadian Entrenching Battalion

 

Sep 16, 1916

Joined the 21st battalion in the field 

The battalion was in the middle of the fighting at Courcelette and I suspect the reinforcements that arrived on this date stayed with the rear details, and did not join the main part of the battalion until they were pulled out of the fighting the following day, joining them at the Brickfields Camp at Albert and assigned to "A" Company.

 

Feb 10, 1917

Promoted to rank of Sgt to replace Sgt JQ Meeks who had been transferred to the 4th CMGC (Canadian Machine Gun Company)

 

Apr 3, 1917

Admitted to No 13 FA (Field Ambulance) diagnosed with PUO (Pyrexia of Unknown Origin), more commonly known as Trench Fever

 

Apr 28, 1917

At duty from hospital

 

Aug 15, 1917


 

 

Oct 20, 1917

Signed a declaration stating that his correct name is John James Barber

 

Oct 31, 1917

Granted 10 days leave

 

Nov 2, 1917

Awarded the Military Medal per the London Gazette #30364

 

Citation reads: On August 15th - 18th 1917

For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty.  A Rum Jar machine located in a quarry was causing a hold up of the advance.  This NCO with two men worked up to the edge of the quarry, bombed the crew and captured the machine.  During the operation he became wounded, but continued with his men, clearing dug-outs, taking part in counter attacks, and taking over the duties of CSM for four days until the Battalion was relieved.

AFW 3121.  28-8-17

 

Nov 17, 1917

Rejoined the battalion from leave

 

Jan 12, 1918

Presented with the Military Medal by General Sir Arthur Currie KCB, KCMG on parade at Westrehem

 

Aug 25, 1918

Posted to the EORD (Eastern Ontario Regimental Depot) on proceeding to England with a view to receiving a commission

 

Aug 29, 1918

Attached to 1st Reserve Battalion pending OTC (Officer Training Course)

 

Sep 8, 1918

Ceases to be attached and is placed On Command to OTC at Bexhill

 

Sep 26, 1918

Signed a second declaration swearing that his correct name is John James Barber.

 

Nov 4, 1918

Ceases to be On Command to OTC and posted to 6th Reserve Battalion at Seaford on being commissioned as a Temporary Lieutenant

 

Nov 5, 1918

To hold rank of Lieutenant per London Gazette #31022

 

Dec 2, 1918

Placed On Command to Argyle House, OMFC (Overseas Military Force of Canada) Headquarters

 

Dec 5, 1918

Embarked the SS Minnedosa at Liverpool

 

 

Dec 14, 1918

Disembarked at Saint John New Brunswick

 

Jan 3, 1919

Discharged from the CEF at Kingston Ontario

 

May 21, 1921

British War Medal and Victory Medal sent to 180 Nepean St, Ottawa Ontario


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