Please note there are three variants of Edmund's first name we have found; his name being written as Edmund, Edmond and Edward in various official records. I shall use the name Edmund since this is used in the first official record chronologically.

5501186 Private Edmund Eric Barney was born on 8^th August 1920, son of Walter James Barney, a cycle mechanic, and Amelia Barney (née Fullick). He was baptised on 18^th August 1920 at Alton All Saints, Hampshire. His first name is listed in the register of baptisms as Edmond. At the time of his baptism the family was living at 16 Amery Street, Alton.

In June 1921, 10 month old Edmund was living with his parents and 2 older siblings; the family was still at 16 Amery Street, Alton. In early 1944 Edmund married Barbara Frampton in Portsmouth. Edmund served with HQ Company of the 11^th Parachute Battalion and fought at the Battle of Arnhem during Operation Market Garden in September 1944.

In the midst of the fighting, on 25^th September 1944, Edmund was taken prisoner. He was initially taken to Stalag XIIA Limburg and was allocated POW number 92048. By 1^st June 1945, Edmund had been freed and made his way home to England.

On 28^th April 1949 Edmund was awarded his war medals; at which time he was living at 3 King Albert Street, Fratton, Portsmouth, Hampshire.

Edmund remained in the Portsmouth area until his death in the spring of 1966.

We are still researching the life of Private Barney. If you are a relative or have any information about him, please contact us.