Experiences of Barton family especially that of contributors father, Pte. A.L. Barton
His father served in R.E.M.E during the war, his regimental number being 14603136. He was stationed in the UK and was engaged in bomb disposal. Would have liked to have served abroad but only got as far as Grimsby. Ended his service in Bicester. No medals or badges. But he did find the fin of an incendary bomb, a Daily Express War Map and his Skill at Arms book.
His uncle, the above's brother, travelled to the Far East, only to be taken a prisoner almost immediately and spent the duration of the war as a POW. He returned home in the autumn of 1945.
His two maternal uncles both served abroad. One ended up in India with O.B.L.I. having graduated from Worcester College, Oxford, and the younger brother took part in the Arnhem landings. He was given a box of linen flags by a young boy in the town of Beek - a small town in S.E. Holland.