Circumstances of Casualty: Killed in Action.
Location of Unit at Time of Casualty: Fresnoy Sector.
BX May 25, 1917
Private E.V. Barker Killed in Action – Sergeant Clifford Barker of 215th Loses His Son at the Front
PARIS, May 25. – Another Paris born boy to lay down his life for the Empire is Private Earle Victor Barker, eldest son of Sergeant Clifford B. Barker, of the 215th Battalion and Mrs. Barker of Paris, which sad message came to his mother yesterday morning that he had been killed in action on May 12th. Private Barker was born and had spent his entire life in Paris where he had gained the esteem and respect of the entire town. He was a high type of young manhood, being in his 20th year. He was assistant scout master and a very active member of the Y.M.C.A. He was also secretary of the Methodist Sunday school, of which church he was a member, and also sang in the choir. At the time of enlisting he was a student in the Paris high school and has just passed his matriculation and was looking forward to a successful life. He was a member of an infantry battalion when he left Canada and was drafted. He leaves to mourn his early death besides his parents, three brothers, Bert, Baden and Roy and one sister, Vera to whom the sympathy of the community goes out in their sorrow. His father is a member of the 215th Battalion, and is at Sandling Camp, England.
BC December 15, 1917
Corporal Earle V. Barker
Another Paris boy who has made the supreme sacrifice in the Empire’s cause. He was killed in action on May 12th. Corporal Earle Victor Barker, who was in his 21st year was born in Paris, educated here, and at the time of his enlistment had just passed his matriculation in the High School. He was a grand type of young Canadian manhood and one who deservedly held the confidence and esteem of the community. Always taking an interest in all things for the higher ideals of life, he was a member of the Methodist Choir and Church, Secretary of the Sunday School, an active worker in the Y.M.C.A. and President of the “4 U and I” Bible Class, which has done so much for the young lads of our town. It was only natural that the Boy Scout movement would appeal to one of Earle’s temperament and joining the same he soon qualified for the position of Asst. Scout Master in the famous “A” troop, which captured the King’s Colors in 1913 and on May 24th that date he was presented with a medal for efficiency. The following year he was appointed Scout Master in place of Sergeant Alfred Scott who left in September to join his battalion in England at the outbreak of the war. He also won the medal and championship at the High School in 1914 as an all-round athlete. Corp. Barker enlisted in the 38th Battalion early in July 1915, and on the 28th of the same month left Paris and was transferred to the 76th Battalion, going overseas with the same in October. In May, 1916, he went over to France with a draft for the 20th Canadians as signaller, and had been through several engagements in one of which he was wounded. In a letter received, Earle stated that on Easter day during the fierce fighting around Vimy he had been three times to the heights of the ridge signalling and had miraculously escaped. He leaves to mourn his demise besides his parents, three brothers, Bert, Baden and Roy, and one sister, Vera, to whom the sympathy of the community will be extended in their bereavement. His father Sergeant C.B. Barker is at present with the 215th Brant Battalion at Sandling Camp, England.
