Basic Information
Birth
Death
Burial place:
Cheshunt Cemetery
Places
Addresses
Family Home:
17 Josephine House, Thrawl Street, Brick Lane, Spitalfields London (1911)
Schools
Letter from the JFS Headmaster, 1917
Letter from the JFS Headmaster, 1917
Jewish Chronicle Extract, 31 July 2014
Lance Corporal Isaac Barbitsky had an even harder time. The JFS old-boy saw substantial front-line action after landing in Boulogne in May 1915. Shot through the leg, he later returned to service and was awarded the Military Medal for an unspecified act of bravery in the field in May 1917.
His valiant efforts were noted by Mr Bowman who wrote to offer “hearty congratulations” and extend an invitation to visit JFS at the end of the war.
Name change to Harry Saunders
Family legend
The story is that he changed his name after a sergeant he was very close to (named Harry Saunders) was killed so Isaac changed his name to honour the original Harry Saunders.
Military Medal Story 1
Family legend
He helped bring back the wounded and the dead from Ypres.
Military Medal Story 2
Family legend
He saved an officers life
Recieving the Military Medal
Despite leaving war service in 1919 and being awarded the Military Medal, he didn't actually receive the real medal until the 1970s, a few months before he died.
Family
Spouse
Leila Abramovice (female)
Other surname / Maiden name:
Saunders
Children
Siblings
Jessie Barbitsky (female)
Sophie Barbitsky (female)
Minnie Barbitsky (female)
Nettie Barbitsky (female)
Parents
Mother: Mary Francis Barbitsky (female)
Father: Solomone Barbitsky (male)
Military Record
Military record no.:
S/17775
Date enlisted/conscripted:
1914
Date discharged/death:
1919
Rank at discharge/death:
Lance Corporal
Assignments
Medals:
Military Medal - "
The military decoration was awarded to I Barbitsky for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire or for individual or associated acts of bravery which were insufficient to merit the Distinguished Conduct Medal."
Other Occupations
Type of employment:
Tailor
