Other Information:John was a bricklayer by trade, a member of the Ambulance Corps and the R.A.M.C. Territorial Force when war was declared. He entered the war in France on 15th March 1915. His death was announced in local papers, the most detailed one being the Catford Journal on Friday 15th June 1917, which states "News has been received of the death of Quartermaster-Sergeant J. W. Barker, R.A.M.C. [T.] [Jack] London Field Ambulance, which occurred suddenly on Tuesday May 22 in Belgium. He had been an active member of the Corps for seventeen years, and went to France with them in March 1915. He had been at home on leave twice during he past two years, and was expected home any day for the month�s leave which was due to him on account of his time having expired. He had been though most of the heavy fighting both in France and Belgium, and last September was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. His death took place immediately following the morning parade, when he seemed in usual health. Leaving the ground he fell, and although the Medical Officer was present, and everything possible was done for him, he was past all human aid in three minutes. The cause of his death was cerebral haemorrhage. He lies in a consecrated military cemetery in Belgium, and his comrades have erected an oak cross and chain curbing to mark the grave. The funeral took place the following day with military honours, the A.O.M.S. officers and N.C.O.s attending. The ceremony was conducted by the Rev. Father Bickford [Roman Catholic C.F.] and the last post was sounded. A wreath from his wife was placed on the coffin, and wreaths were also received from his parents, the Officers, and N.C.O.s and men of the Field Ambulance. Letters have been received by his widow, who resides at 34, St Fillans-road, Catford, from the Colonel and other officers, which show the great esteem in which he was held. The deceased was 33 years of age." The Catford Journal also reported on Friday 1st March 1918 "The Military Medal won by the late Quartermaster-Sergeant J. W. Barker R.A.M.C. [T.F.] London Field Ambulance, was presented by Brigadier General Johnston, at the Horse Guards� Headquarters, to his widow Mrs J. W. Barker, of 34, St Fillans-road, Catford." John was the Eldest son of David Shaw Barker and Elizabeth Barker of Greenwich, London. [Information researched and kindly provided by John Swarbrick (See 'additional information' for details on portrait photograph of John)]
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