Percy BARTON

17 May 1918

Corporal, P. Barton, Hellifield

Mr: and Mrs. C. Barton, Midland Terrace, Hellifield, received official word on Sunday that their eldest son, Corporal Percy Barton, Lewis Machine Gun Section, West Riding Regiment, had died of wounds received in action on May 4th. Corporal Barton, who was 24 years of age, joined the Army in September 1914, and went to France in April, 1915. At the commencement of the German offensive, he was machine gun instructor at a school behind the lines, and had been acting as sergeant since last November. Before enlisting he was employed as an assistant in the grocery department of the Co-operative Society at Skipton.

31 May 1918

HELLIFIELD - Memorial Service

On Sunday evening, at St. Aidan's Church, a memorial service was held coupled with names of Corporal Percy Barton, Pioneer Angus Ross, Privates Matthew Lund, Walker Parker and Albert Hailwood. The Vicar (Rev. A. Whyte), in an impressive sermon, made touching references to the lives of the fallen heroes Special hymns were sung, and the organist (Miss D. Wilson) played the Dead March at the close of the service.

20 December 1918

Posthumous Honour for Hellifield Corporal

In a recent list of awards of Military Medals appeared the name of the late Corporal Percy Barton, Duke of Wellington's, and eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Barton, Midland Terrace, Hellifield. The medal, which bears the inscription 'For Bravery in the Field,' was presented to Mr. C. Barton at Halifax on December 4th. The late Corporal Barton was reported killed on May 11th 1917, and his photograph and an account of his death appeared in the 'Craven Herald' at the time.

24 January 1919

HELLIFIELD - The Late Corporal Percy Barton

Mr. C. Barton, Midland Terrace, Hellifield, has received the following official communication in respect of the awarding of the Military Medal to his son, the late Corporal Percy Barton:- "He, along with Private Maude, were the only two left of the platoon Lewis gun team on the night of 11th and 12th April, 1918, at Nieppe. On the withdrawal of their company to a new position, they remained behind and gave covering fire until the whole company had safely withdrawn. They have repeatedly used their Lewis gun with good effect during the recent fighting, often at great personal risk, and have gained the admiration of their platoon."

25 April 1919

HELLIFIELD - Local Heroes Honoured

On Monday evening a public presentation was made to Lieut. J. Shorrock, D.S.O. (Australians), and the parents of the late Corporal P. Barton, M.M. (Duke of Wellington's), natives of Hellifield, in recognition of the honours won by them in the war. The proceedings took place in the Co-operative Hall and were presided over by Mr. W. Bowman. Lieut. Shorrock was the recipient of a gold watch which bore the following inscription :- "Presented to Lieut. J. Shorrock, D.S.O. by the residents of Hellifield, England, in appreciation of his gallantry in the Great European War, 1914-1918." An onyx clock, also inscribed, was presented to the parents of the late Corporal Barton. The presentations were made by Mr. W. King-Wilkinson (Slaidburn) who paid a glowing tribute to the heroes. The recipients suitably responded. During the evening a musical programme was provided by local artistes. A dance followed.

02 May 1919

BARTON - In loving memory of my dear brother, Corporal Percy Barton, who died of wounds received in action May 4th, 1918.

One year has passed since that sad day,
When one we loved was called away.
His, loving smile, his welcome face,
No one can fill his vacant place.

From his loving sister Nellie, at Settle.

BARTON - In loving memory of Corporal Percy Barton, 1/6th Duke of Wellington's Regiment, who died from wounds received in, action May 4th, I918.

Only a British soldier,
Only a dear mother's pride,
He answered the call of honour,
Doing his duty he died.
But we have one consolation,
He bravely did his best,
Somewhere in France our dear son sleeps -
A hero laid to rest.

From his loving Father, Mother, Brothers and Sisters, 23 Midland Terrace, Hellifield.

07 May 1920

BARTON - In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Cpl. P. Barton, killed in action May 4th, 1918.

Cherished memories of one so dear
Are often recalled by a silent tear.

From Father, Mother, Brothers and Sisters, 23 Midland Terrace, Hellifield.

BARTON - In proud and loving memory of my dear brother, Cpl. Percy Barton, who died of wounds, May 4th, 1918.

Sweet are the memories that never fade
Of a brother we loved but could not save.

Inserted by his Sister Mary, of Langcliffe Place, Settle.

06 May 1921

BARTON - In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Cpl. Percy Barton, killed in France, May 4th, 1918.

"A lasting sorrow - a daily thought."

From his Father, Mother, Sisters and Brothers, 23 Midland Terrace, Hellifield.

BARTON - In proud and loving memory of my dear brother, Cpl. Percy Barton, who died of wounds, May 5th, 1918.

"Thy will be done" was hard to say
When one we loved was called away.
Forgotten by some, to the world he may be,
But true to my memory he ever will be.

From Mary, at Settle.