Queens South Africa Medal clasps Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Belfast (3093, Corpl. E. Barker. 6 Drgns.); Kings South Africa Medal clasps South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (3093 CORPL. E. BARKER. INNIS. DRGNS.); 1914-15 Star (GS-5218 SJT. E. BARKER, 6-DNS.); British War Medal (LIEUT. E. BARKER.); Victory Medal (LIEUT. E. BARKER.); Delhi Durbar Medal 1911 self engraved No 3093 SSM E BARKER. INNISKILLING DRAGOONS; France Medaille d'Honneur avec Glaives en argent (Medal of Honour in silver with swords) - reverse engraved "Awarded to Lieut. E. Barker by the French Government for services on the Somme 1915-1916"
Edward Barker was born in Sunderland, Durham on 2 August 1872. He enlisted into the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons on 16 June 1891 with no. 3093 after having 2 and a half years militia service with the 1st Durham Artillery Volunteers. He served at Home until 23 October 1899 before being sent with his regiment to South Africa and the Anglo Boer War. He served in South Africa from 24 October 1899 until 2 November 1902 and was appointed Lance Sergeant for distinguished Conduct in the Field (Regimental Order dated Johannesburg 17 January 1901)
Barker saw action in many of the seminal battles of the Boer War including Johannesburg, Diamond Hill (Pretoria) and Belfast which last took place on 27 August 1900 in the eastern part of the Transvaal. Having returned Home he remained there until seeing further service in Egypt and India - this last is where he was awarded the 1911 Delhi Durbar Coronation medal.
He was discharged with a conduct rating of Very Good on 28 October 1912 in the rank of Squadron Sergeant Major. He reenlisted for service in WWI on 26 September 1914 as a Private soldier but was promoted to SSM with no. GS5128. He first served in France from 17 February 1915 until 25 August 1917 at which point he was commissioned into the Chinese Labour Corps. He was awarded the Medaille d'Honneur avec Glaives en argent by the French Government for services on the Somme in 1915/16.
He was released from service on 10 March 1920 and moved to 8 Harold Street in Sunderland where he passed away on 26 September 1935.
Medals are in good condition unless indicated otherwise. Sold with comprehensive research.
