Description
Physical description
Military Cross & MC
Label
For info relating to John Ashworth Barraclough's service and certificates relating to awards see donor file under Lady Barraclough.
History note
Biographical note: Sir John Barraclough, CMG, DSO, OBE, MC, DL.
First World War: Sandhurst, Royal Flying Corps, Machine Gun Corps, The King's Own Royal Regiment.
Interwar served in Regimental and General Staff appointments in Iraq, Ireland, Palestine, Syria, Egypt and India. On the outbreak of war in 1939 was Military Commander Hebron District (the 'hot spot' of the Arab rebellion). Officer Commanding all troops in Cyprus in 1940. In 1941 commanded The King's Own Royal Regiment in the Syrian Campaign and the Western Desert (iuncluding the Siege of Tobruk). In 1942 commanded the Red Sea area; in 1943 commnaded the Lebanon area In 1944, shorty after 'D'-Day, went to France and was responsible for training all Civil Affairs personnel destined for duty in Holland.
In May 1945, as a Group Commander, was in command of all Civil Affiars personnel in Holland.
In June 1945 was appointed Commander North Rhine Province, in which capacity was responsible for the application in the Ruhr of every aspect of the Allies' policy, including Political, Economic and Governmental matters, denazification, demilitarisation, dismantling of industrial plant, reparations, etc. In May 1946, was controlling a staff of nearly five thousand civilians and soldiers.
In July 1946 the Provinces of the Rhineland and Westphalia were amalgamated and he was appointed Deputy Regional Commissioner of North Rhineland/Westphalia amd held this Foreihn Office appointment for narly five years
Honours and awards:
Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael & St George (CMG) 1950
Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) 1941
Officer of the Most Excellent order of the British Empire (OBE) 1941
Military Cross 1918
Commander of the Order of Orange Nassau with swords; five times Mentioned in Despatches; knighted 1962.