James Henry Barnes was born in 1890 at Castle Donington, Leicestershire and was a Motor Engineer by occupation prior to attesting for the Sherwood Foresters at Nottingham on 13 January 1909. He served with the 1st Battalion in India from October 1909 until called home in October 1914 to fight in the Great War. He served in France with the 1st Battalion from 4 November 1914 and was appointed Paid Lance Corporal In the Field on 11 November 1914.

Having transferred to the 8th Divisional Company, Army Cyclist Corps, as a despatch rider, on 8 January 1915, he was killed in action on 9 March 1915:

‘He was the only man to volunteer to carry a despatch through the German lines during the Battle of Neuve Chapelle. Although warned of the great danger, he was willing to take the risk and was killed when within 100 yards of the German lines.’

'Lance Corporal Barnes was the eldest son of James and Rhoda Barnes of Clapgun Street, Castle Donington. James Barnes senior had himself served in the army as a Bandsman for 12 years, including during the First Boer War, when ‘he was one of the first to respond to the call for volunteers from his regiment, the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons, for the assault on Majuba Hill.’ 

Barnes has no known grave and is commemorated on Le Touret Memorial, France, although a hand-written Red Cross note states ‘He was buried 100 yards south of the cross roads, which lie south of Chapigny near Aubers in Flanders. It is on the Battlefield marked Square M.29 b.7.6.’

1914 Star, with clasp (11076 Pte. J. H. Barnes. 1/Notts: & Derby: R.); British War and Victory Medals (11076 Pte. J. H. Barnes. Notts & Derby. R.).