William Barker was born on a family farm near Dauphin, Manitoba on November 3rd, 1894. When war broke out in 1914, Barker initially enlisted in the infantry, joining the First Canadian Mounted Rifles, where he saw action in the Ypres salient in Belgium. In March 1916, he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps where he became a fighter pilot of exceptional talent. When the Royal Air Force was formed in April 1918, Barker continued to fly. During the war, Barker was credited with the destruction of 50 enemy aircraft.
Shortly after the conclusion of the First World War, William Barker returned to Canada in May 1919. Barker was the most decorated Canadian of the war, receiving the Victoria Cross, the Distinguished Service Order and Bar, the Military Cross and two Bars and the French Croix de guerre and twice the Italian Silver Medal of Military Valor.
Barker is not only Canada’s most decorated soldier, but he ties a British Officer, Major James McCuddon, as the British Empire’s most decorated soldier. Both men were awarded nine medals for gallantry, plus three Mention-in-Despatches.
Back in Canada, Barker remained engaged with the Canadian Air Force (CAF) and eventually the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), retiring in 1926. Barker joined Fairchild Aviation Corporation of Canada in January 1930. In March of 1930, Barker died during an air demonstration in a Fairchild KR-21, crashing into the ice covered Ottawa River near Rockcliffe airfield.
Wing Commander William (Billy) George Barker, 35 years old, was buried with military honours at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Toronto.
Photo: IWM (Q 27508) |