Born: 15 January 1896, Idle
Died: 21 October 1917
Buried:
Address: 27 Marlborough St, Idle
Parents: Walter & Mary Ellen
Spouse:
Siblings: May
Occupation: Card Cutter, worsted weavers (1911)
Organisations/clubs: Idle Primitive Methodist church and sunday school
Military
Rank: Cpl
Medals/awards: Military Medal
Rolls of Honour: Holy Trinity, Idle; Tyne Cot Memorial
Children:
Regiment: Northumberland Fusiliers
Harry Barker
On 8 June 1917, the
Shipley Times & Express
reported:
Cpl Harry Barker of 27
Marlborough Road, son
of Mr and Mrs Walter
Barker, has been
awarded the Military
Medal.
This hero, who is 21
years of age, served from
September 6th to
Christmas 1916 at the
Dardanelles and was then invalided
home, suffering from trench feet.
During March last, he went to
France and it is there that he
displayed gallantry which has won
the distinction.
Particulars of his act
have not yet been
received but Cpl Barker
wrote home to say: “I
am proud to inform you
that I have been
recommended for a
military medal for
bravery. I shall probably
be receiving it in a few
days.”
That was followed by a
second report on 2 November
1917:
Cpl Harry Barker, son of Mr and
Mrs Walter Barker of Marlborough
Road, Idle, has been killed in
action in France.
This hero was awarded the Military
Medal last June. A few weeks ago
he was home on leave and he was
accorded a hearty reception from
his numerous friends.
He was formerly connected with
the Primitive Methodist Church and
School and while on furlough
attended service. He had only been
back in France for a few days when
he met his death.
He was 21 years of age and served
from September 6th to Christmas
1916 at the Dardanelles and was
then invalided home, suffering
from trench feet.
It was in France that he displayed
the gallantry which secured him his
distinction.
