61000: Notebook carried by John Barnard during his service in France

In the notebook are the names of friends killed or wounded, as well as a code agreed with his sister, Cecilia, who he wrote to showing where he was serving, and even when he had gone over the top. John Barnard only ever wrote home to his sister Cecilia, never to their mother. Cecilia would then filter the news to their mother.

Mike Barnard, John's son, recalls that "Dad, as a market gardener, was used to walking the soil. The terrain he encountered 'over there' was familiar, and he knew where the dips should be, even if he'd never been over that land before."

"Whilst acting as a runner Dad met a mate from Worcestershire, George Crisp M.M.. George told him which way to go to avoid some Germans, this probably saved his life."

"Dad also met Capt. George Mason, he was actually courting Dad's sister Cecilia, and they chatted. George was killed just a week later. A memorial window was placed in the church at Wickhamford. Cecilia never married. When she died aged 99 in her bed, we found all George's letters lying under her pillow."

John had training in Catterick etc. and 18 months in France.

Part of a collection relating to Lance Corporal John Barnard (52258 Worcestershire regiment), market gardener of Badsey near Evesham; and his son Mike's drawings and newspaper articles relating to the First World War.