South Yorkshire Times, April 14th 1945
Bad News Follows Good
Mexborough Sailor Killed
Within three hours of her brother Pte Archie Freeman (28), arriving home from Northern Germany on seven days’ leave, Mrs. D. Barnett of 19, Lower Dolcliffe Road, Mexborough, received news that her husband Ldg. Stoker David Beresford Barnett (28) son of Mr. and Mrs. Barnett of 41, Dolcliffe Road, was killed in action at sea on March 19th.
First news on that day was a telegram from Pte. Freeman telling them he was on his way home. This was followed by the arrival of Pte. Freeman himself and three hours later the news of Stoker Barnett’s death arrived.
Ldg.Stkr. Barnett joined the Navy eight years ago and served in H.M.S. “Royal Oak” and H.M.S. “Edinburgh” before being transferred to a destroyer. He was married in 1937 and leaves a widow and two daughters. He attended Dolcliffe Road School.
C.W.G.C.
Leading Stoker David Beresford Barnett
Service Number D/KX 90734
Royal Navy H.M.S. Rapid
Died March 19th 1945
Aged 28 years
Buried or commemorated at Plymouth Naval Memorial Panel 94, Column 3, Devon.
Son of Samuel and Rebecca Barnett of Mexborough, husband of Doris Barnett of Swinton.