Albert Ernest Barker
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Albert Ernest was the son of John Thomas and Annie Barker (née Clowes). His father was born in Loughborough, Leicestershire, in 1870, the son of Timothy and Sarah Barker, and was baptised in Loughborough (probably at Holy Trinity) on 3 July 1870. In 1891 John (20), a baker, was living with his parents and five siblings, including his brother Albert Edward (19), a butcher's apprentice, in Loughborough. His mother Annie was born on 21 June 1873 at Woodhouse, Leicestershire. In 1881 aged 17 she was a general domestic servant in the household of Oliver Brown and his family in Quorndon, Leicestershire, John (24) and Annie (21) were married on 27 June 1894 at Quorndon parish church; the banns had also been read at Loughborough Holy Trinity, the parish in which they were both living. They had four children, three of whom survived infancy: Reginald Horace b. Loughborough 1895, Albert Ernest b. Loughborough birth registered 1897 (J/F/M), and Arthur Bryan b. Beeston 30 June 1908. In 1901 John, a grocer on his own account, Annie and their sons Horace (5) and Albert (3) were living at 72 Fisher Street, Sneinton, Nottingham, which was also the premises of their grocer's shop. John and Annie had returned to Loughborough by 1911 where they lived at 40 Leopold Street. John was a master baker and Annie was assisting in the business, Reginald was a printer's apprentice (Loughborough Echo) and Albert a house painter's assistant. The youngest son, Arthur, was two years old. The family later moved to 22 Mona Street, Beeston, and John and Annie were still living at the same address when John died on 10 June 1933. In 1939 when the England & Wales Register was compiled, Annie was living in Eastleigh, Hampshire, with her son Arthur, a chemist's assistant, and his wife. Arthur had married Vera Mary Osland Hill (b. 30 August 1909) in 1934 (J/A/S Winchester Hants). Annie was still living in Eastleigh when she died on 18 February 1941. Arthur died at Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, on 9 June 1991; his wife predeceased him.
1/7th Bn Sherwood Foresters (previously 1776) Arthur Bryan died in hospital on 16 October 1917 of wounds received in action some days earlier. He was buried in Lapugnoy Military Cemetery, France (grave ref: VI.A.15). CWGC - History of Lapugnoy Military Cemetery (extract): 'The first burials were made in Plot I of the cemetery in September 1915, but it was most heavily used during the Battle of Arras, which began in April 1917. The dead were brought to the cemetery from casualty clearing stations, chiefly the 18th and the 23rd at Lapugnoy and Lozinghem.' (cwgc.org.uk)
His brother Reginald Horace Barker also served with1/7th battalion Sherwood Foresters (265254 Sergeant). He was killed in action on 29th June 1917 and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial. (See record on this Roll of Honour) WMR14738: Loughborough Carillon Tower, Queen’s Park, Granby Street, Loughborough LE11 3BJ. Arthur and Reginald are commemorated on this memorial. Lougborough Echo, 13 July 1917 (extract): ‘Former ‘Echo’ Employee. Mr and Mrs A Barker of 22 Moira (sic)-street, Beeston, have received unofficial intimation that their eldest son, Sergt. Horace Barker, of the Sherwood Foresters, was fatally shot by a sniper on June 30th, as he was leading his platoon into action. The news was first conveyed in a letter from the younger son, Albert, who is in the same regiment, and since then the Sergt.-Major has also written.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) CWGC headstone personal inscription: 'There is no joy the world can give like that it takes away' Loughborough Echo, 26 October 1917: ‘The Second Son. In the push last week Pte Albert Barker was killed as he was one of the leaders of the Notts and Derby in the attack. His parents formerly lived on Leopold-street, and a few weeks ago [29 June 1917] their elder son, Horace, ‘passed beyond the Soldiers’ Gate.’ Very comforting letters have been receive by Mrs Barker from the Chaplain and the Captain of the company. The latter says:’When I took command of the company I realised what a fine straight boy your son was. I was wounded the same night that he was, and we were both sent to the same hospital. Whilst he was here I visited him frequently every day. The boy was very ill when he reached here, but all the time he was so brave and cheerful. All my sympathy goes out to you, he was such a brave lad. You may always remember this – he lived each day, like he died, a very brave and gallant Englishman.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk Loughborough Echo, ‘Roll of Honour’, 26 October 1917: ‘Barker. Died of wounds received in action October 16th, Pte Albert Barker in his 20th year, second dearly loved son of Mr and Mrs JT Barker, 22 Mona-street, Beeston. ‘He lived a noble life so brave and true, and now he rests with his brother whom he loved, and we are left to mourn. Sorrowing Father, Mother and little brother Arthur.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Registers of Soldiers' Effects: his father was his legatee. Probate: Barker John Thomas of 22 Mona-street Beeston Nottinghamshire died 10 June 1933 Probate Nottingham 1 September to Albert Edward Barker [brother] gardener and William Thomas Glennister solicitor’s clerk. Effects £2830 Probate: Barker Annie of 193 Leigh Road Eastleigh Hampshire widow died 18 February 1941 Administration Nottingham 19 April to Arthur Bryan Barker chemists assistant.Effects £129 17s. 3d.
