Colonel William Frank BARKER, C.M.G., D.S.O.

Commanded the 11th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment from February 1917 to April 1918.

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As a Lieutenant in the South African Light Horse he was mentioned-in-despatches for gallant service (London Gazette 8th February 1901).

He was present at the Relief of Ladysmith, including the operations on the Tugela Heights (14th to 27th February 1900); operations in Natal (March to June, 1900), including action at Belfast (26th and 27th August 1900).

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Orrder (D.S.O.) for his services in South Africa campaign 1899-1900 (London Gazette 19th April 1901).

As Captain & Adjutant he was mentioned-in-despatches for good service in Colonels Byng's capture of laager at Fanny Home on the 2nd February 1902.

He was mentioned-in-despatches in May 1907 (London Gazette 25th June 1907) for recognition of the fact that he Commanded Composite Regiment of Transvaal Volunteers known as "Transvaal Mounted Rifles" during the operations in Zululand later in the Mapumulo and N'Dwedwe Districts. Displayed conspicuous tact in the attack upon his column at Insuz.

In recognition of his service in connection with native distrubances in the Colony of Natal in 1906, whilst commanding the South African Light Horse, he was invested as a Companion, Order of St. Michael and St. George (C.M.G.) London Gazette 28th June 1907.

On the 25th February 1915 he was promoted to rank of Temporary Major in the 9th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment.

On the 17th September 1916 he was promoted to Acting Lieut.-Col. whilst commanding the 11th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment, whilst Colonel R. M. Rainy-Robinson was in hospital.

On the 2nd February 1917 he was appointed Temporary Lieut.-Col. and given command of the 11th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment.

He was mentioned-in-despatches twice for his service in Salonika, London Gazette dates 21st July 1917 and 7th June 1918.

On the 4th June 1917 he was granted the rank of Honorary Colonel.

As Temporary Lieut.-Col. (Honorary Colonel) on the 27th February 1919 he moved to command 53rd Grad. Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment.

On the 1st August 1919 he moved to command the 53rd Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment.

Lieut.-Col. W. F. Barker, C.M.G., D.S.O.

Lieut.-Col. W. F. Barker

 

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