Leslie Barker
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
Son of John Alfred Barker (1883-1962) and Clara Dorothy Elizabeth Barker (1885-1936)
Royal Artillery 467 Bty, 72 Searchlight Regt. Anti-Aircraft Command mobilised in August 1939, ahead of the declaration of war on 3 September, and the regiment took its place in 47th AA Brigade, part of 5th AA Division tasked with defending Southampton. Southampton was a regular target for raids by the German Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain in the summer of 1940, but by November 1940 the regiment had transferred to 40 AA Bde in 2nd AA Division in the Midlands. It had the responsibility for covering RAF airfields in the
East Midlands and continued in that role throughout 1940–41. Stationed near Bingham (Crow Close searchlight).
Drowned in the River Trent while swimming at Shelford Ferry. The body was recovered on the 31st August near Hoveringham. Inquest verdict, accident.
Photo of Leslie Barker