Thomas BARKER

M2/201949, Private. b. 1897, Clayton d. 14th April 1918 (aged 20).

Born in Clayton Thomas was the son of Albert and Emily Barker.

On the 1911 census Albert is described as a Travelling Fairground Stall holder and Caterer and their address as the Fair Ground, Halifax.

The Worlds Fair newspaper of 7/7/17 appears to have a photograph of Thomas and a further edition on 10/11/17 carries a letter regarding Thomas.

The website ‘War circus’ lists Thomas as a stallholder and that he served with Caterpillar Section, 86^th Section, R.A.M.T., 108 Siege Battery Royal Garrison Artillery, B.E.F., France and showing his as Killed in action

Thomas enlisted in Bradford centre into the Army Service Corps and was killed in action in the German Spring Offensive of 1918 whilst serving as a driver with the XXII Corps of Heavy Artillery based in ‘Y’ Siege Park, Poperinge.

He is buried in Reninghelst New Military Cemetery. His headstone bears the inscription “Gone but not forgotten by those who loved him. Rest in peace”.