Vernon Barlow

The son of an Army lieutenant-colonel, Vernon Barlow attended the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. During his time there he won the 1929 All-British Modern Pentathlon team and individual titles. From Sandhurst he Joined the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry and eventually attained the rank of brigadier. Having previously been awarded the OBE, Barlow won the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) in 1945 for gallant and distinguished service in the field, and had a Bar added in 1952 following his duties as commander of his battalion in Korea.

Barlow was involved in a serious road accident in November 1974 when he hit an oncoming car. It sadly resulted in the death of a 19-year-old girl, and after being trapped in his vehicle, Barlow had a foot amputated. The case went to trial at Bristol Crown Court and he was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving and was fined £100 with costs. Sadly, Vernon Barlow died just six weeks after the court hearing.