Lance Corporal, 28351, 2nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards. Died, aged 31, killed in action, on 28 March 1918 at the Western Front.
The great German Spring Offensive that commenced on 21 March 1918 saw the Guards Division engaged in the area south-west of Arras. At Arras on 28 March the Germans launched a hastily prepared attack (Operation Mars) against the left wing of the British Third Army, to try and widen the beach in the Allied lines, and was repulsed. According to the Battalion War Diary at this time the battalion was located near Boiry looking towards Moyenville and across the Arras to Albert railway. There was much confusion with other units retreating through their lines with the enemy following. On the 28 March the battalion came under attack by a number of enemy groups attempting to penetrate their line. They were in a poor position with the enemy having direct observation into their line and able to direct very accurate fire. Casualties during the day amounted to 22 killed and 42 wounded. It is assumed that L/Cpl Barker was one of those who lost his life during this time.
Born in 1887 at Wednesbury, Staffordshire the son of Frank Herbert and Tryphena Barker (nee Weston). In 1901 he lived with his parents and three siblings at Wednesbury. He was the husband of Isabel Barker (nee Martin), of "Blantyre", King's Road, Holyhead. In 1911 he was staying as a visitor at Kelso House, 46, Holborn Street, Holyhead, the home of the Martin family. He was employed as an Insurance Inspector.
He married Isabel Martin, the daughter of Alexander Martin from Kelso, Roxborough, in Chester in 1912. A son, Edward, was born at Holyhead on 3/10/1916. There may have been two other sons born at Chester, Frank (b. 1/7/1913) and Victor (b.17/1/1915). Believed to have enlisted at Hanley, Staffordshire in 1916.
Awarded the Victory Medal.
Commemorated on the Arras Memorial (Bay 1), France. He has no known grave.