1893–1958
Prospect Cemetery
Section 7 Lot 3562
Born on September 20, 1893, in Baldavie, Boyndie, Scotland, Colin Fraser Barron emigrated to Canada in 1910, working as a railway labourer before enlisting in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in 1914. His life would become a testament to courage and service.
On November 6, 1917, during the bloody Battle of Passchendaele, Corporal Barron’s unit faced a deadly obstacle: a fortified German pillbox bristling with machine guns at Goudberg Spur. Armed with a Lewis light machine gun, Barron flanked the position alone, firing at point-blank range. He killed four enemy soldiers, captured the rest and then turned a seized machine gun on retreating troops, inflicting heavy casualties. His fearless action broke the enemy stronghold and allowed his battalion to advance. For this act of “conspicuous bravery,” Barron was awarded the Victoria Cross, the British Empire’s highest military honour.
Barron continued to serve his country in the Second World War, joining the Royal Regiment of Canada and taking part in operations in Iceland and England. Later, he worked as a Provost Sergeant-Major and remained active in veteran circles, even attending the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II as a VC recipient.
Sources:
• Government of Canada – Victoria Cross Recipient: Colin Fraser Barron
• Mount Pleasant Group – Colin Fraser Barron
