Henry Barnes, 2nd Baron Gorell facts for kids
Major Henry Gorell Barnes, 2nd Baron Gorell, who was awarded the DSO, was born on January 21, 1882. He was a barrister (a type of lawyer) and a soldier in the Territorial Force (a part-time army). He fought on the Western Front during World War I and was sadly killed in action on January 16, 1917.
Early Life and Studies
Henry Gorell Barnes was born in 1882. He was the oldest son of John Barnes, 1st Baron Gorell. He went to Winchester College for school. Later, he studied at Trinity College, Oxford and Harvard University in the United States.
In 1906, he became a barrister, which means he could argue cases in court. He worked as a secretary for his father, who was a judge. He also helped with a special group called the Royal Commission on Divorce. When his father passed away in 1913, Henry became the 2nd Baron Gorell. This meant he inherited his father's noble title. He was also a member of a group called the Freemasons in Oxford.
Military Service and Bravery
Before World War I began, Henry Gorell Barnes was an officer in the Territorial Force. This was a group of part-time soldiers. He became a second lieutenant in 1909 and was promoted to captain in 1912.
When World War I started, he was in charge of a gun battery (a group of artillery guns). He went with his battery to the Western Front, where much of the fighting happened. There, he became a temporary major.
During the Battle of the Somme in 1916, his gun battery was the first to reach High Wood. This was a very important area that soldiers had fought hard to capture. Major Gorell Barnes even went on a dangerous trip to scout the entire front line. Because of his bravery, he was given the Distinguished Service Order (DSO), a special award for military courage.
Death in Action
On January 15, 1917, Major Gorell Barnes was serving in the Ypres Salient in Belgium. He was returning from observing for his battery in the front line. Sadly, an enemy shell hit him in a trench. He was badly wounded and died the next day, on January 16, 1917. He had served for almost two years overseas.
His loss was felt deeply by everyone who knew him. He was known as a very skilled and brave officer. He is buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery in Belgium. After his death, his younger brother, Ronald, became the 3rd Baron Gorell.
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See also
- Baron Gorell
