James Barnes M.B.E (WW2) Intelligence Corps
Nov 1, 2011 10:14:54 GMT
Post by Spitfire on Nov 1, 2011 10:14:54 GMT
James (Jim) Barnes was born in 1916 at Coupe Brow, Boothstown. He was the son of William Hubert Barnes and Minnie Green, his father was a methodist lay preacher and coal miner. James started his education at Boothstown Wesleyan Day School.
In 1929 the family moved to Little Hulton, and at the age of 10, although underage he was awarded a place at Leigh Grammar School, it was here he discovered his flair for languages. James was a keen tennis player and was also a member of the Cleggs Lane Methodist Tennis and Cricket clubs.
In 1933 James went on to study at Manchester University where he graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in German Language and Literature. After completing his time at Manchester University he was awarded a research scholarship and went to a German University and began studying for his Masters.
In 1938 he was appointed as the German teacher at Castleford Grammar School until his call-up in 1940.
James Barnes number 237716, his military service years:
James was in the Royal Artillery for about six months and then transferred to the Intelligence Corps, starting as Corporal rising through the ranks to obtain a commission and holding the position of Temporary Captain. He was awarded his M.B.E for "gallant and distinguished service" He was demobilised from the army with the rank of Major and returned to teaching but in 1955 he was persuaded to return to Germany on secondment to act as Liason Officer and Deputy Head of the Anglo-German centre in Dortmund.
Eventually, James once again returned to Casleford and was appointed deputy head at the Grammar School although only breifly as he went on to become the Head Teacher at Rothwell Grammar School, where he stayed until his retirment in 1976.
James passed away in 1995.
In 1929 the family moved to Little Hulton, and at the age of 10, although underage he was awarded a place at Leigh Grammar School, it was here he discovered his flair for languages. James was a keen tennis player and was also a member of the Cleggs Lane Methodist Tennis and Cricket clubs.
In 1933 James went on to study at Manchester University where he graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in German Language and Literature. After completing his time at Manchester University he was awarded a research scholarship and went to a German University and began studying for his Masters.
In 1938 he was appointed as the German teacher at Castleford Grammar School until his call-up in 1940.
James Barnes number 237716, his military service years:
James was in the Royal Artillery for about six months and then transferred to the Intelligence Corps, starting as Corporal rising through the ranks to obtain a commission and holding the position of Temporary Captain. He was awarded his M.B.E for "gallant and distinguished service" He was demobilised from the army with the rank of Major and returned to teaching but in 1955 he was persuaded to return to Germany on secondment to act as Liason Officer and Deputy Head of the Anglo-German centre in Dortmund.
Eventually, James once again returned to Casleford and was appointed deputy head at the Grammar School although only breifly as he went on to become the Head Teacher at Rothwell Grammar School, where he stayed until his retirment in 1976.
James passed away in 1995.
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