Private James Valentine Barrett

Family/Last name:
Barrett
Forename(s) and initial(s):
James Valentine
Place of birth:
Salford Manchester
Date of birth:
10/2/1911
Nationality:
Service number:
7639400
Rank when captured:
Place of capture:
Crete
Date of capture:
1/6/1941
POW number:
6082
Camp
Data sources
The National Archives (UK)Other Sources (WO416 records transcribed by and held at the UK National Archives. Data processed and prepared by Rick Catt and Brian Cooper + Relative's report)

From Patricia Monagham 27th August 2023

Data source: Personal letters, newspaper cuttings, photographs and an album kept by my mother of his capture and imprisonment.
Newspaper announcements / updates after he was listed as missing in the Middle East, plus later a very small book given to him by an American soldier in which he kept details of his days after release from Lamb of his journey back home.

Extra details: Joined the Royal Ordnance Corps in June 1940, spent some time in Chepstow (training), got married and we understand left UK January 1941 to go to we don’t know where.

Then Crete and captured there 1 June 1941 and was at first reported missing, then the only information we had was Dad was in Stalag VIII or VII B and A, Lambinowice but not sure dates or details of journey.

He worked, we think in the mines or similar during captivity. Liberated by 3rd American Army 30 April 1945, made way across Europe in American Army clothes and finally flown from Banbury (Reims) home to Wing Aerodrome in southern England by Lancaster Bomber or similar, then demobbed, reception centre, collected pay, sent telegram, filled lots forms, medical and received new kit. arrived home to Manchester on 8 May 1945.

Spent time in Working Party: KDO 3020 and KDO E586

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