Name
William Alfred Barnes, Northwood
Biography
Sergeant (Observer) 61925 William Alfred Barnes, MSM, Royal Flying Corps
CWGC record ...
Further information
Name appears on Northwood War Memorial and the identical Memorials at Gurnard and Marks Corner
William Alfred Barnes was born and lived in Northwood, Isle of Wight, the son of William and Edith Barnes.
Barnes was serving with 25 Sqn, RFC, flying FE.2b Aircraft. On 13th April 1917 at 18.40 hrs 9 aircraft were sent to bomb Henin-Lietard. The German Jasta pilots were too late to prevent the bombing but
an air battle commenced at 19.30 hrs. The FE.2b crews claimed four German Albatros D.III aircraft but lost three FE.2b aircraft in doing so. The German fighter ace von Richthofen shot down
the aircraft (serial no 4997) piloted by 2nd Lt A H Bates, with Barnes as Observer. The aircraft crashed at 19.35 hours hitting a house at Noyelles-Godault.
Information provided by John Bloodworth
