Private Jerry Barker
350681 (formerly 2241) 9th Manchester Regiment
Formerly 2389 1/5th East Lancashire Regiment
Born & enlisted in Burnley
Lived at 52 Rumley Road
Killed in action 6th May 1917, age 29
Buried in Templeux-Le-Guerard Cemetery, France II.E. 28
Burnley Express 19th May 1917 - 19th May 1917

Wife Martha (nee Lever) - born in Dukinfield, children Gilbert (b. 24th May 1909) & Lawrence (b. 24th August 1910)
Martha later remarried and lived at Bridgely Bank Farm, Dunnockshaw

(courtesy of David Drury)

Officers Fine Tribute
(Burnley Express 9th May 1917)

Mrs Barker, of 82 Rumley Road, Burnley.has received the sad intimation announcing the death of her husband, Private Jerry Barker of the Manchester Regiment, who was killed on the 6th of May and whose Officer pays a worthy tribute to his character and ability.

Pte Barker joined in September following the outbreak of War in 1914 and without training was shortly afterwards sent with the first draft to Egypt.and took part in the Gallipoli Campaign. Barker himself stated in a letter shortly after the Gallipoli attack that he was exceptionally lucky to come through safely, as he was on one occasion blown up by a mine. From the Eastern Theatre of War, he was drafted to France.and shortly after his arrival he was given his first leave of ten days.which he spent at Burnley.

The unfortunate Soldier was 29 years of age, and leaves a delicate widow and two children. Previous to enlistment he was a miner at Barden Pit. In his early life he attended Park Hill Wesleyan Sunday School and Chapel Cheapside, where he is on the Roll of Honour and numerous parcels have been sent out to him by the School Committee .

Pte Barker while on leave showed his appreciation of these gifts by calling at the
School and expressing his gratefulness.

Several members of his family have proved themselves most Patriotic.and one,Lance Corporal James Tomlinson paid the Supreme Sacrifice at Loos. while another Pte F W Barker, was discharged with wounds after 17 years service. Pte
Harry Barker, brother of the deceased.is now in France, and two other relatives.Pte.
T. G. Leaver.is in Salonika, and Private Joseph Jenny was wounded in a battle at
Ypres.

Capt Handworth writes:-" Your husband had been my groom for over 12 months and was a very reliable and trustworthy man, who always did his duty, and 1 had great respect for him. On the day (May the 6th) the Battalion was moving up to the firing line; I went up in the morning along with another Officer and took your husband to look after the horses.

We left him in a Quarry.which was apparently a safe place.but white we were away the Germans sent some shells over, and one of them unfortunately burst and killed your husband and all the horses. I am very sorry indeed that this should have happened. Your husband suffered no pain, as his death was quite instantaneous, and he had a proper burial in a Military Cemetery. Your husband was a good soldier.and a true man.