• First cousin of Ronald Barton (1901-1986)
• Born January 17 1916, youngest son of Rev. Jack Barton (1866-1941) and Susan Thornton (1875-1958).
• Christened 'Francis Christopher Barton', but nick-named Billy Barton after a race horse.
• Educated at Haileybury (the last Barton to go there), Batten House.
• Commissioned into the Royal Marines in 1934.
• Married (on October 4 1939 in Plymouth) Olivia Mary Darroll-Smith (Molly).
• Kept a fascinating diary throughout World War 2, during which he travelled the oceans mainly on the HMS Enterprise and the HMS Nigeria.
• Served in 40 Commando in Malaya.
• Commanded 45 Commando in Cyprus (1958-1960).
• Died 2001, aged ~85.