John Barnes

Sir Ernest John Ward Barnes (22 June 1917 – 11 June 1992) was a British civil servant and diplomat. He served as British Ambassador to Israel from 1969 to 1972 and British Ambassador to the Netherlands from 1972 to 1977.

Early life and education

Barnes was born on 22 June 1917, the eldest son of Rt Rev Ernest William Barnes, 3rd Bishop of Birmingham, and Adelaide née Ward, daughter of Sir Adolphus Ward, master of Peterhouse, Cambridge and historian. He was educated at Dragon School, Oxford; Winchester College; and Trinity College, Cambridge where he took a starred double first in classics.

Career

On the outbreak of World War II, Barnes joined the Royal Artillery, serving from 1939 to 1946, and rose to lieutenant-colonel. In 1946, he was awarded the MBE for military service and the US Bronze Star Medal. and as Ambassador to the Netherlands from 1972 to 1977.

Following his retirement from the diplomatic service, Barnes took up directorships at Alliance Investment Co and Whiteaway Laidlaw. He served as chairman of Sussex Rural Community Council; vice-chairman of Sussex University; and governor of Hurstpierpoint College. He was a member of Chichester Diocesan Synod. In 1979, he published Ahead Of His Age: Bishop Barnes Of Birmingham, a biography of his father. In 1946, he was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (Military) (MBE), and awarded the US Bronze Star Medal.