Corporal 201047 Robert Slipper “Bertie” Barnes of Polegate Air Station...

...was born at Kentish Town on the 31st of July 1894 the son of Robert Slipper Barnes (1847 to 1925) and Edith Thompson (1850 to 1905).

The 1901 census finds the family at 44, St. Paul’s Road, St. Pancras. Robert (senior) aged 54, is a wood carver and employer born at Liverpool. Edith aged 50 was born at St. Pancras as were children George aged 19, working as a wood carver, Winifred aged 17, and Bertie aged 6. Also present is Elizabeth, sister of Edith, aged 58, a dress maker born at St. Pancras.

Edith had died in 1905 and the 1911 census records Robert living with his father at 9, Woronzow Road, St Johns Wood. Robert (senior) is a widower aged 63, still working as a wood carver and employer of two people. Children recorded are Robert, aged 16, a student and Winifred aged 26, a housekeeper, both born at St Pancras.

Robert was working as a wood carver when, at the age of 20 he enlisted into the Royal Naval Air Service on the 18th of November 1914 at Kentish Town as an Air Mechanic 2nd Grade. He was promoted to an Air Mechanic 1st Grade on the 1st of June 1915. His father, of 13, Grand Parade, High Street, Teddington was named as his next of kin.

He was posted to Polegate airship station as an Airship Rigger. From here, the airships patrolled the English Channel on the look out for U-boats. Although seen, there were few attacks made, but no doubt the very presence of an airship could prevent a submarine attack.

Upon amalgamation of the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Flying Corps into the Royal Air Force, Robert was transferred to the new service on the 1st of April 1918.

Robert died at Eastbourne Military Hospital of influenza on the 1st of November 1918; his home address being 44, St Pauls Road, St Pancras.