The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-14
ROBIN" BARTON, FORMER BIRMINGHAM BOY, MEETS
 DEATH IN AN AIR FIGHT
Working for Woodward Company When War Broke out He Hurried to England to Join Coors-Attacked by Ger mans 12,000 Feet in Ar-Father Formerly
 Superintendent of Ensley Furnaces
Ay CHARLES V. HANDY

Early in the year The Age-Herald carried an associated press story of a duel in mid-air between British aero plane and two German monoplanes in which the British aviator was killed No one connected the incident with the Birmingham district, yet the Britisher was born in this district, and at the time of the outbreak of the war was employed in the operating department of tho Woodward Iron company.
 News was received in Birmingham last week that Robert Barton had made the supreme sacrifice for his country, and had died in defense of her honor. De- tails of his death brought out the fact that he was the British officer killed in the spectacular duel mentioned above fought at a height of over 1000 feet
 Robert Barton was born in Ensley some 22 years ago, and was the oldest child and only son of Mr. and Mrs. A. F.. Barton. At that time MT. Barton was superintendent of the Ensley blast fur mace, and both he and his wife were well known throughout the district and state. having lived here many years.
 RETURNED TO ENGLAND
 When Robert was about seven years old his parents returned to Lancashire, Eng, where MT. Barton had large hold ings of land and stocp in the Carnforth IronwOrks, of which he is present president Robert was educated as nearly all young Englishmen of his class are, and while in his early teens joined the territorial forces. A short time be- fore the outbreak of the war in spirit of adventure he came to the United States, and as did his father before him and notwithstanding the fact his father was many times a millionaire, he made his own way and earned his own living. At the time of the outbreak of the war he was employed at the Wood ward blast furnaces in the operating department receiving little more than la borer' s wages.
 At the outbreak of hostilities he re- turned home and joined the Royal Fly ing squadron and it was while making a reconnaissance of the German lines that he was killed in mid-air., The duel was fought in sight of both armies and report of the fight was published in The Age-Herald, coming via the Associated Press but no one here connected the gallant young lieutenant who died as the boy born within the confines of this city
 CLOSE FRIEND OF RAMSAY
 MT. BdrtOn, SenlOr, was close per- scnal friend of Erskine Ramsay, and to him came the news of the death of Robin as he was affectionately called by his father and mother The letter fl om MT. Barton is particularly sad. in tf at he referred to the fact that with the death of Robin his branch of the family died out, as he was the only son of an only son. But while tinged with sa adness there is not word of regret or oh hIIt jtS fOnn ShnUs utol ally the Spartan-like qualities of the English father and mother at the loss of this bravest and best loved'' The letter follows: Red Court, Carnforth, February Il. My Dear Ramsay: You will be sorry to hear that Robin has had to make the supreme sacrifice for his country. and