BARKER, James Henry

War
1st World War
Date of Birth
Date Attested
Attested at
London Ontario
Original Unit
1st Depot Battalion - Western Ontario Regiment
Regimental Number
3131538
Rank
Private
Date of Death
Age at Death
25 years 9 months
Cemetery
Quarry Wood Cemetery - Sains-les-Marquion - Pas de Calais - France
Cenotaph
Goderich Cenotaph
Biographical Summary

NAME:              BARKER     James Henry                                                                                                              RANK:              Private                                                                                                                                          SERIAL NO.     3131538                                                                                                                              REGIMENT:      4th Canadian Infantry Division                                                                                                                                     10th Infantry Brigade                                                                                                                                                      47th Battalion (Western Ontario Regiment)                                                                            BORN:              December 17, 1892 - Goderich - County of Huron - Ontario                                                      DIED:                September 27, 1918          25 years   9 months                                                              CEMETERY:     Quarry Wood Cemetery - Sains-les-Marquion - Pas de Calais - France                                Parent:            Mr. John Barker                                                                                                                        Sisters:             Elizabeth, Ida, Hattie, Minnie, Lola and Anne.

The Barker family lived in Colborne Township on the Lakeshore Road (Highway 21). The father was a occupational contractor and Teamster. Prior to enlistment James was working as a railroad labourer.   

At the time of enlistment he weighed 147 pounds, stood 5' 6" tall, had a fair complexion with blue eyes and brown hair. 

Following his Canadian training, Private Barker departed Canada for overseas on board the SS Grampian on February 2, 1918 arriving in Liverpool on February 16, 1918. He was then Taken on Strength with the Canadian 4th Reserve Battalion based at Bramshott - Hampshire. On June 2nd, Private Barker transferred to the 47th Battalion and proceeded overseas to the Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp. He remained here for over 2 months before joining his unit in the field on August 14th. On August 28 he reported to a Casualty Clearing Station with the symptoms of diarrhea and then was admitted to No. 12 Stationary Hospital the following day. He was discharged on September 7 and joined his unit on September 9.

Private was killed in action on September 27, 1918. He was advancing with his Company as they advanced upon Bourlon Wood and was struck by enemy machine gun fire ad died instantly.

He was buried with full military honours on September 30, 1918

His father received the British and Victory Medals awarded to Private Barker along with the scroll and plaque