His position in Ireland at his death is "odd". He had resign his commission in July 1920, but had been re-activated off the London Gazette, which is usually a sign of a "Special Appointment " in Ireland. He must have been working either in Intelligence or (given he had been a journalist) in the Propaganda dept . However the Propaganda Dept was small, and I have not seen such a man there, His service file is available at TNA and might give a clue
1895 Born Plaistow, West Ham
1901 census at 55 Stock St, Plaistow, West Ham
1911 census at 55 Stock St , West Ham
1914 Aug 12. Enlisted in London Rifle Brigade. Another Era entry said he was on Era Editorial Staff
1914 Oct 5. Landed in France
1915 Mar 1.In hospital with tonsillitis
1915 Sep 18. The Durham Light Infantry. Private Wilfred Barnard, from The London Regiment, to be Second Lieutenant.
1916 May 10.
1917 Mar 18 Promoted Lt
1918 Nov 5. MC Gazetted to Lt. Wilfred Barnard, 5th Bn., Durh. L.I.,T.F., attd. 50th (North'bn) Div. Sig. Coy.,R.E., T.F.For conspicuous gallantry as brigade signaling officer on the 5th and 6th November 1918, during the advance on Noyelles and Monceau. When the brigade was advancing very rapidly he always kept communication with the advanced brigade headquarters and the three battalions, himself reconnoitring the line of advance, often under heavy machine-gun fire, and his work very materially assisting in the success of the operations.
1920 Jul 13. DLI. Lt., W. Barnard, M.C., resigns his commission, 13th July 1920, .and retains the rank of Lt.
1921 Apr 1. Relinquishes his commission W Barnard MC, General List , Lt Retired
1921 Apr 2. Died in Dublin Soldiers Effects gives the beneficiary as his mother Mary Jane Barnard
Funeral at Bandon Hill Cemetery, Croydon
His officer file at TNA is WO 374/5061