Sold with an original War Office letter (dated 11.11.1944), in which the recipient's father is informed that his son, 'Major P. Barnsley, The Herefordshire Regiment, has again been wounded'; together with several original photographs, including a framed display; an old copy Birth Certificate (dated 2.3.1932), and other later documentation, this last including a copy of a wartime letter in which the recipient refers to his wounds from a mine explosion (dated 16.11.1944).

D.S.O. London Gazette 1.3.1945. Recommendation states 'At Vallee on 7 August 1944, this Officer's Company was ordered to attack some high ground south of the village. The attack was supported by a box barrage and shortly after the start line the Company encountered an enemy strong point. Major Barnsley ran forward to the head of his men to close with the enemy and a fierce close-quarter battle ensued with bayonet and rifle butt. This Officer was everywhere cheering his men, with supreme courage and lack of fear, and as a result of his extraordinary example, 80 prisoners were taken and many killed or wounded. He continued his advance to a depth of 1000 yards through thickly wooded country, and it is beyond doubt that due to his complete devotion to duty and personal leadership, the Battalion was able to effect a break through'.