Accrington Web - View Single Post

Gordon Booth · 13-09-2010, 16:40

Retlaw, my grandfather(mothers side) was Thomas Barnes, originally from Baxenden I think,lived on Frederick Street in the 40's.
As I remember, he may have lied about his age to join up. He was a British Army boxing champion(featherweight or lightweight??) he said, he certainly had the flattest nose I've ever seen!
My grandmother always said he was as mad(or stupid) as he was because a German smashed a rifle butt on his head.I'm sure she said he had to have his helmet cut off or levered off, although I can't see that. I'm sure I have a photo of him in his uniform. If it's any use to you I'll try to find it.

13-09-2010, 16:40	#148
Gordon Booth Senior Member+ Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 2,402 Liked: 715 times Rep Power: 46611	Re: World War 1 Retlaw, my grandfather(mothers side) was Thomas Barnes, originally from Baxenden I think,lived on Frederick Street in the 40's. As I remember, he may have lied about his age to join up. He was a British Army boxing champion(featherweight or lightweight??) he said, he certainly had the flattest nose I've ever seen! My grandmother always said he was as mad(or stupid) as he was because a German smashed a rifle butt on his head.I'm sure she said he had to have his helmet cut off or levered off, although I can't see that. I'm sure I have a photo of him in his uniform. If it's any use to you I'll try to find it.