Private John A Barton

John Arthur Barton enlisted into The Durham Light Infantry. He was transferred to The Inniskilling Fusiliers before volunteering for airborne forces.

Pte Barton undertook his parachute jump training at Kabrit, in Egypt and was posted to Support Company, 11th Parachute Battalion (11th Para Bn).

On 18 September 1944 11th Para Bn went on the second lift to Arnhem during Operation Market Garden. The aircraft that Pte Barton flew to Arnhem on Dakota C47 42-92839 crashed on the return journey from Arnhem at Rhenen.

Pte Barton’s body was found near the Vogelenzang Brickworks at Rhenen. He had been shot several times. It is possible that he was wounded before jumping at Arnhem and may have been on his way home with the aircraft before it crashed.

Private Barton died on 18 September 1944, aged 25 years old. He is now buried at Rhenen General Cemetery, Rhenen, Utrecht, 26 kilometres from Arnhem.