The AIF Project

William BARKER

Regimental number750
Place of birthPerth, Western Australia
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationLabourer
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation18
Next of kinMother, Mrs L Barker, Dudley Street, Midland Junction, Western Australia
Enlistment date20 October 1914
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll30 October 1914
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name16th Battalion, C Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/33/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A40 Ceramic on 22 December 1914
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll16th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 29 March 1918

FateReturned to Australia 24 September 1918
Medals

Military Medal

'Is brought to notice for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near HEBUTERNE on the 29th March, 1918, when he was in charge of a Lewis Gun Section of a Platoon which was raiding the enemy trenches in broad daylight. When the Platoon was held up, this Non-commissioned Officer got his Lewis Gun into action, and kept up a sever fire, thus enabling a patrol to creep forward to accurately estimate the number of the enemy occupying the trenches, and their dispositions. This action involved great personal risk and was carried out despite Heavy Machine Gun Fire directed at him. He is recommended for distinction.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 185
Date: 27 November 1918

Family/military connectionsBrothers: 20 Pte Jack BARKER, 16th Bn, returned to Australia, 15 August 1915; 208 Sergeant Benjamin BARKER, 28th Bn, returned to Australia, 10 December 1918.
Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death5 May 1984
Place of burialGuildford Cemetery

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