Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.
Harold Charles Barker was born on 17th February 1897 in Kingston on Thames, Surrey to Prudential Assurance Company agent Charles and Clara Sarah Anne (nee King). He was baptised on 23rd December 1900 at Holy Saviour’s church in Croydon, Surrey
Harold’s father was born in the 2nd quarter of 1867 in Dartford, Kent to silk printer William, born about 1821 in Stratford, Essex and Elizabeth, born about 1825 in West Ham, Essex. At the time of the 1881 Census, the family lived at 4 Saint Albans Road, Dartford. William was working as a silk printer and Elizabeth was at home. The household comprised of their children including Charles. At this time Charles was working as an errand boy. His mother Clara was born in the 4th quarter of 1864 in Crayford, Kent to brickmaker Edward, born about 1842 in Strood, Kent and Clara, born about 1846 in Tolington, Middlesex. Clara was baptised on the 30th of October 1864 in Crayford. At this time the family lived in Crayford and Edward was working as a labourer. Charles and Clara married in the 2nd quarter of 1889 in Dartford.
Harold had two siblings: Ruth born about 1893 in Bexley, Kent and Edith born about 1903 in Selhurst, Surrey.
At the time of the 1891 Census, the family lived at Bourne House, Bourne Street, Bexley. Charles was still working at the Prudential Assurance Company and Clara was a laundress.
At the time of the 1901 Census, the family lived at 61 Whitehall Road, Croydon. Charles was working at the Prudential Assurance Company, but was now an assistant superintendent and Clara was at home. The family further comprised of their children: Ruth and Harold Charles.
At the time of the 1911 Census, the family lived at 25 St Mary’s Road, Reigate. Charles was still in the same job, and Clara at home. The household further comprised of their children: General Post Office worker, Ruth, Harold and Edith. The accommodation had six rooms.
Harold Barker enlisted on 13th November 1915 in Westminster into the 16th (County of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (Queen’s Westminster Rifles). He was a Rifleman with regimental numbers 4752 and 551895. At the time of his enlistment he lived in Dorking.
Harold disembarked on 5th May 1916 in France.
RIFLEMAN H. C. BARKER
(Queen’s Westminsters)
Rifleman Harold Charles Barker, of the Queen’s Westminster Rifles, who has been officially reported as missing, is the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Barker of 26, Wathen Road, Dorking. He was born in February 1897, and is an Old Reigate Grammer School boy, and was a member of the O.T.C. He was a chorister at St. Mary’s Parish Church, Reigate, for some years. He enlisted on November 13th, 1915, and went to France on May 2nd last. He went into action near Gommecourt on July 1st, and has been missing since that date.
Harold Charles Barker Missing Notice 29th July 1916 © Dorking Advertiser findmypast.co.uk
Rifleman Harold Charles Barker (Queen’s Westminsters), who has been officially reported missing, is the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Barker, of 26, Wathen Road, Dorking. He was 19 years of age, and is an old Reigate Grammar School boy, and a member of the O. T. C.
Harold Charles Barker Missing Notice 29th July 1916 © Surrey Advertiser findmypast.co.uk
Harold Barker was killed in action on or around 1st July 1916 near Gommecourt, on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, France. His body was never found.
Harold is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial in France on Pier and Face 13 C.
He received the British War and Victory medals.
Harold’s father received £2, 2s and 6d on 16th October 1917 and a further £3 on 26th August 1919 in Soldier’s Effects.
In 1916 Harold’s parents lived at 26 Wathen Road in Dorking and later at Astrope House, Puttenham, Tring, Hertfordshire.
| Born | Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey | |
| Lived | Dorking | |
| Son of | Charle and Clara Barker of Astrophe House, Puttenham, Tring, Hertfordshire |
|
| Regiment | 16th London Regiment. Queen’s Westminster Rifles | |
| Number | 551895 | |
| Date of Death | 1st July 1916 | |
| Place of Death | Gommecourt, Somme, France | |
| Cause of Death | Killed in action | |
| Age | 19 | |
| Memorial | Thiepval Memorial, France |
