Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Arthur Barker a bricklayer, born in the October quarter of 1855 in Castle Donington, Leicestershire (son of Joseph Barker, 1802-1881 and Ann Yeomans, 1823-1892) and his wife Mary Barker (nee Webster, married in the April quarter of 1878 in the Shardlow, Derbyshire district), born in the January quarter of 1859 in Castle Donington and baptised on the 20th February 1859 in the Church of St. Edward King & Martyr, Castle Donington (daughter of Esther Webster, 1832). John Yeomans, a schoolboy was born on the 29th May 1888 in Castle Donington, his siblings were David Yeomans, an errand boy, born on the 31st January 1879, George Edwin, a schoolboy, born in the October quarter of 1880, Cissy, a schoolgirl, born in the October quarter of 1882, Arthur, a schoolboy, born on the 16th November 1884, Mary, a schoolgirl, born on the 30th May 1886 and Annie, born on the 18th September 1890, all his siblings were born in Castle Donington, in April 1891 the family home was at Spital, Castle Donington.
In March 1901 John was a schoolboy and was residing in the family home at Apes Gate, St. Edward’s, Castle Donington, together with his father, a bricklayer, his mother and siblings, David, a bricklayer’s labourer, George, a carter’s labourer, Cissy, a hosiery trade worker, Arthur, a baker’s assistant, Mary a hosiery trade worker, Annie, a schoolgirl, Ellen Yeomans, a schoolgirl, born in the April quarter of 1892, Fred, a schoolboy, born in the April quarter of 1894, Archibald, a schoolboy, born on the 9th February 1896 and Esther Ruth, born in the April quarter of 1899, the latter four siblings were all born in Castle Donington.
John’s father died aged 54 years in the July quarter of 1910 in Castle Donington.
In April 1911 John was employed as a fettler and was residing in the family home at Clapgun Street, Castle Donington, together with his widowed mother and siblings, David, a bricklayer, George, a labourer, Cissie, a hosiery trade worker, Mary, a hosiery trade overlocker, Ellen (Nellie), a hosiery trade worker, Fred, a labourer, Archibald, a hosiery trade worker and Esther, a schoolgirl.
John married Emma Jane Atkin (Adkin) in the January quarter of 1916 in the Shardlow, Derbyshire district. Emma was born on the 29th October 1885 in Melbourne, Derbyshire and baptised on the 6th October 1889 in St. Michael’s Church, Melbourne (daughter of Frank Adkin, 31st July 1862 and Fanny Moore, 4th October 1864)
John’s younger brother Fred fell in action on the 14th July 1916.
John enlisted/attested into the Regular Army on the 14th September 1914 in Loughborough, and was allotted the regimental service number 15042. He gave his place of birth as Castle Donington, Derby, Leicestershire and age as 26 years 4 months. His marital status was given as unmarried and his trade or calling as fettler.
His medical history was compiled during an examination that took place in Loughborough on the 14th September 1914 and recorded his birthplace as Castle Donington, Leicestershire, declared age as 26 years 4 months, trade or occupation as fettler, that he was 5-feet 8 inches in height, weighed [not recorded] lbs, had a chest measurement of between 35 and 38 inches, his physical development was described as normal, his vision was described as R.E.-V=normal. L.E.-V=normal. Enlisted at Loughborough on the 14th September 1914. Joined on enlistment Leicestershire Regt. Regimental No. 15042.
His description on enlistment recorded his apparent age as 26 years 4 months, height 5-feet 8 inches weight [not recorded] lbs, chest measurement of between 35 and 38 inches his complexion was described as fresh, he had grey normal eyes and his hair colour was black. The following distinctive marks were noted, nil. He gave his religion as Baptist.
He was certified as fit for the Army. Date 14th September 1914. Place Loughborough.
He gave his next of kin as his wife, Rock House, Kings Newton, Derby. Mother Mary Barker, brother David Barker, sister Cissie Barker, Clapgun Street, Castle Donington, Leicestershire.
The compilation of events that occurred during his period of military service are taken from the following sources: - Casualty Form – Active Service (B.103). Statement of the Services of. Military History Sheet.
Joined. At Leicester. 14/9/14.
Posted. To Depot Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 14/9/14.
Posted. To 8th (Service) Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 29/9/14.
Posted. To 9th (Service) Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 28/9/14.
Embarked. 29/7/15.
Appointed. Lance Corporal (unpaid). Perham Down Camp. 28/7/15.
Appointed. Lance Corporal (paid). In the Field. 7/11/15.
Appointed. Corporal. In the Field. 20/6/16.
Promoted. To Sergeant (vice Perkins). In the Field. 14/7/16.
Admitted. To 65th Field Ambulance, dental. In the Field. 23/8/16.
Admitted. To 37th Casualty Clearing Station, dental. In the Field. 23/8/16.
Discharged. To duty. In the Field. 26/8/16.
Wounded in action. Gunshot wound right knee. In the Field. 25/9/16.
Admitted. To 3rd Stationary Hospital. Rouen. 28/9/16.
Transferred. To UK per 2nd Ambulance Train and Hospital Ship Muheno. 28/9/16.
Died of wounds received in action. 1st Southern General Hospital, Birmingham. 23/10/16.
He was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
SERVICE RECORD NOTE: In September 1940, as the result of a fire caused by an incendiary bomb at the War Office Record Store in Arnside Street, London, approximately two thirds of 6.5 million soldiers’ documents for the First World War were destroyed. Those records which survived were mostly charred or water damaged and unfit for consultation and became known as the “burnt documents.” As a consequence, the content and condition of the surviving records can range from good to extremely poor. The hand written information is, in some instances barely legible, and the number of pages that should comprise a full record, in some cases are either badly damaged or missing entirely, however where possible the available information has been transcribed so that it may at least offer the reader a little descriptive insight into some, if not all of the events and background information surrounding the period of service.
The War Diary records: 25 Sep-16 - The morning was spent in making final preparations for attack. Enemy shelling not heavy and a few casualties were sustained. At 12.35pm waves were formed up in front of trenches. At 12.37pm the advance commenced, “C” and “D” Companies in extended order, “A” and “B” Companies in artillery formation, enemy immediately commenced an extremely intense and deep barrage. At 12.45pm the first two platoons of “D” Company reached GIRD TRENCH, but sustained heavy casualties. All the Company officers becoming casualties, 2nd Lieutenant A. E. PETER, 2nd Lieutenant W. S. GILBERT, Company Sergeant Major POTTERTON were all killed, 2nd Lieutenant CLARK was wounded. The remnants of the first 2 waves of “C” Company reached GIRD TRENCH, but owing to machine gun fire from the right, and the Brigade on the right, having failed to take GIRD TRENCH, the party were all killed or wounded. 2nd Lieutenant RENNIE was killed in GIRD TRENCH, Lieutenant HENWOOD was wounded. Captain WEBB wheeled the 3rd and 4th waves of “C” Company and formed a defensive flank down SUNKEN ROAD facing right. At 1.00pm Captain WEBB was wounded and Company Sergeant Major RHODES was killed. “C” Company suffered extremely heavy casualties from machine gun fire. “A” and “B” Companies advanced and established themselves in NEW TRENCH, BULL TRENCH and PATROL TRENCH and shell holes in the rear. Battalion Headquarters advanced from LEWIS TRENCH to PATROL TRENCH. At 1.37pm Captain ALLBERRY led “A” Company forward but was immediately killed by machine gun fire from the right flank. Lieutenant HARDY, 2nd Lieutenant LEWIS, Company Sergeant Major RICE and many of Company becoming casualties through the same cause. Lieutenant Colonel HAIG was wounded in the arm in PATROL TRENCH. At 1.37pm Battalion Headquarters advanced to BULL TRENCH. At 2.00pm the remainder of Battalion Headquarters viz: Lieutenant Colonel HAIG, Captain POPHAM (8th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT), Lieutenant TOOTH and 3 orderlies advanced to NEW TRENCH. Captain POPHAM and the 3 orderlies were wounded. At 2.35pm the advance hung up on account of machine gun fire and rifle fire. Enemy still occupying GIRD TRENCH on right of SUNKEN ROAD. Lieutenant Colonel HAIG and Lieutenant TOOTH advanced to NEW TRENCH and finding it empty, crossed over to GOAT TRENCH. Only dead and wounded men were found in GOAT TRENCH, accordingly Lieutenant Colonel HAIG and Lieutenant TOOTH in anticipation that the front two Companies had reached GIRD TRENCH, again advanced to PILGRIMS WAY where 40 other ranks of the 8th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT were found without any officer. Lieutenant Colonel HAIG decided to remain and hold on with the 40 other ranks until reinforcements arrived to clear GIRD TRENCH on right. At 3.00pm connection with 55th Division in GIRD TRENCH on the left of PILGRIMS WAY was established. A bombing group of 8th and 9th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT was organised and bombed down GIRD TRENCH on the right of PILGRIMS WAY for 50 or 60 yards. Many of the enemy were killed and 12 were taken prisoner. Owing to the lack of bombs, a block was established, and a Lewis gun posted near the block. Lieutenant Colonel HAIG sent numerous reports on the situation to Brigade Headquarters, only two of which reached Brigade, the orderlies being either killed or wounded. Heavy shelling all the time. At 8.00pm connection with Brigade was established through 2nd Lieutenant KELLY. During the night the ROYAL ENGINEERS constructed a strong point at N.32.a.1.9. The night was spent digging in and consolidating position. The enemy seemed to be working round behind PILGRIMS WAY, but did not attack. From zero (12.35pm) to 5.30pm, the enemy kept up a heavy and very deep barrage becoming intense at times.
On Wednesday October 25th, 1916, The Leicester Daily Mercury published the following article on page 4, under the heading. – LOCAL CASUALTY LISTS. – The death took place of Sergt. John Harker, in hospital, at Birmingham, on Monday. Sergt. Harker, whose brother Fred fell in action in France a few months ago, had been promoted from the rank of private for special efficiency, was severely wounded in action, and was brought to England, where an amputation was found to be necessary. The operation was successful, and the patient made a hopeful rally, but this was followed by a sudden relapse. The body has been taken to Castle Donington for internment. Sergeant Harker was married only a few months ago.
On the 30th April 1917, John’s widow Emma Jane, of Rock House, Kings Newton, Derbyshire was awarded a weekly Army Dependant’s Pension of sixteen shillings and three pence.
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