Young, but Successful

[Ken Lees]

Two headstone photos from the Buttes British Cemetery, Polygon Wood taken this afternoon. A young battalion commander, Lt-Col. A. H. Scott, DSO, 56th Bn. AIF, and a young Company Sergeant Major, 324 B. B. (Berny) Barnes, 21st Bn. AIF. 

 

Both must have been special to reach their respective ranks at a young age. Barnes's number suggests an early enlistment. 

[little bob]

Service papers show that Basil Bernard Barnes joined up on 15/1/1915  aged 19.

 

Bob

[kenmorrison]

Allen Humphrey SCOTT

Details including DSO citation at https://www.aif.adfa.edu.au/showPerson?pid=268507

Distinguished Service Order (as Captain 4th Battalion)

'For conspicuous gallantry in the attack on Lone Pine, Gallipoli Peninsula, on 6th-7th August, 1915. He held on to a very exposed position, till all the wounded had been removed. Later, after a heavy bombing attack in superior force had compelled him to retire, he led a bayonet charge which retook and held the position in face of the enemy's enfilading machine gun fire. This position was of great importance, as linking up the positions captured on either flank.'

 

Ken

[Ken Lees]

Thanks for the replies. More stories to tell when visiting this cemetery. It will make a change from the Zonnebeke 5.