Major Rollo Samuel Barrett (April 1883 - June 1963)
Major Rollo Samuel Barrett, 5th Battalion Northumberland Home Guard.
The Times Obituary 12th July 1963
Mr. Rollo Samuel Barrett died on June 30 at his home, Heddon Hall, Heddon-on-the-Wall, Northumberland, at the age of 80, as earlier reported in The Times.
A descendant of Nicholas Wood, a pioneer of the mining industry in the early nineteenth century, he followed his father as a mining engineer.
After taking a Cambridge degree in natural science, he served his time in the Durham coalfield and then became Agent of the Seaton Burn and Dinnington collieries. In 1929 he joined the firm of William Armstrong & Sons, consulting mining engineers of Newcastle upon Tyne, and subsequently became senior partner. In this capacity he was adviser to many colliery companies and leading mineral owners.
At a difficult period in the coal trade, when nationisation of coal and later the collieries had been decided, he did much to help both the coal owners and the new National Coal Board.
Because of his deep knowledge of the Northumberland and Durham coalfields and of the people concerned, he was chosen in 1947 as the first Production Director of the Northern Division. Many of those who transferred from private companies to the board's service remember his advice and guidance with gratitude.
Rollo Barrett was a man of strong Christian faith and was associated in many ways with church activities. His outlook was simple and sincere and his sense of humour and youthful enthusiasm made him the centre of a devoted family circle.
If you have any information on Rollo Samuel Barrett or anyone who served in the Northumberland Home Guard, Newcastle Battalions please contact ph@ccoynblhomeguard.co.uk