The tragic death of Willie Barker

A remarkable feature of the 68 Farnhill Volunteers is that only six of them died during WW1. All of these losses were, of course, tragic; but perhaps the saddest story is that of the death of Willie Barker.

Willie Barker was born, in Farnhill, in December 1896 and was just 19 when he joined the 11th battalion East Yorkshire Regiment. He was sent to France on the 11th of September 1918, very close to the end of the war, and the regimental diary records that he arrived as part of a contingent of 141 men. The battalion was at this time resting behind the lines and for a fortnight Willie’s life must have one of lectures, training, checking kit, and playing football – matches appear to have taken place almost every day.

The battalion returned to the front line during the afternoon and evening of the September 24th. The regimental diary records this as being a quiet period and the battalion was fully in position by 7:30am on the 25th.

However at some point on the 24th, during this quiet period, Willie Barker was killed. His time on the front line can only have been a few hours at the most.

Willie Barker is buried in Bailleul Cemetery close to where he died. His name is commemorated on the Kildwick War Memorial.

If you would like to help us research the lives of all 68 of the Farnhill WW1 Volunteers, please email us.