He was born at Boyndie, Banffshire, Scotland,[1] a son of Margaret Walker Barron, a domestic servant.

[citation needed] Barron was 24 years old, and a Corporal in the 3rd (Toronto) Battalion, CEF during the First World War when he was awarded the Victoria Cross, the full citation for which reads as follows: For conspicuous bravery when in attack his unit was held up by three machine-guns.

Barron opened on them from a flank at point-blank range, rushed the enemy guns single-handed, killed four of the crew, and captured the remainder.

He then, with remarkable initiative and skill, turned one of the captured guns on the retiring enemy, causing them severe casualties.

[2]He later achieved the rank of sergeant-major, and during the Second World War he served with the Royal Regiment of Canada.