Pte Stanley Alfred Barton, 14196, 11th Battalion Essex Regiment, was reported missing during heavy fighting on the Somme in France on March 22nd, 1918. But it was not until the following February that parents Alfred and Victoria Elizabeth Barton at 2 Guildford Street, Luton, were informed officially that their son was killed or died of wounds on that date.

Stanley had enlisted in September 1914 and went to France the following July with the Essex Regiment, being wounded three times. He underwent hospital treatment in England, and was home on leave in March 1918. He returned to the firing line on the 18th of that month and was caught up in the German spring offensive push for Paris and the Channel ports.

On March 22nd his regiment was engaged in heavy fighting, and at least one detachment of the Essex Regiment fulfilled orders to hold on till the last, being practically wiped out. It was not known if Pte Barton was among this band, but he was reported missing at the time.

Stanley was born in Luton in 1895. He finished his education at Waller Street School and subsequently was employed by straw hat manufacturer Mr Woods, of Guildford Street.

He had a sister Maud and a brother Charles who were born in Nottingham when their parents had moved there from Luton to find work.

In 1911 the census tells us that the family are living at 2 Guildford Street, Luton, and Stanley is a butcher's boy, whilst his father is working as a straw hat blocker.

Stanley is commemorated on the Luton Roll of Honour/War Memorial and in the Book of Life compiled at Luton Parish Church.