Harry Barker was born in Wigan on September 25, 1923. He is much loved and will always be remembered .

Dad left us on the Wednesday 16th. April 2014, in the early hours.Probably due to another stroke. Dad had had several small strokes since just before Christmas 2013.

He was the youngest of a large family, which was common just after World War 1. He had 5 sisters and one brother; James,Lily,Mary,Annie, and Theresa. Harry was the last survivor.

The family are looking at family history and have unearthed records going back to the early 1500's around Wigan and in more detail around the 1800's in the Scholes area  of Wigan, and especially Belvoir Street off Scholefield lane, and St Catherines.

Harry's father John was a World War 1 survivor and ex WW1 POW serving with the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, in major battles such as the battle of the Somme where he was wounded and Paschaendale.  He  lost the sight in one eye as a result of gun shot wound to right eye permanently in that conflict during the German 'Spring offensive' on the 11th. April 1918, and was a POW for the rest of WW1.

John Barker was injured and taken POW with the 9th.Loyal North Lancs Regiment. He is mentioned in the Wigan Archives WW1 POWs. He was born in 1882..
http://www.wlct.org/wigan/museums-archives/images/Lists%20of%20Wigan%20in%20First%20World%20War%20those%20held%20prisoners%20of%20war%20and%20those%20who%20died%20in%20service.pdf

Harry was a real patriot.

When he left school he wanted to be a classical pianist, but due to the 'great depression'of the 1930's his dreams were never realised.The family could not afford to pay for his education.

Wigan was badly hit in the depression years of the 1930's. Famous writers like George Orwell (Eric Blair) wrote the 'Road to Wigan Pier' . Ghandi went to Wigan as did Edward VIII who abdicated. Wigan was so badly off economically.

My Dads piece for Manchesters school of music CHETHAMS was Debussy's - 'Claire de Lune'.

His working career was within the Lancashire cotton industry where he raised himself up to warehouse manager. Not bad for someone who left school at 14, as they did in those days with minimal education.He also self taught how to use a slide rule !

He didn't get his first pair of long trousers till he was 16!

Like all others he served in the Army in World War 2. Serving with the Royal Artillery and the Worcestershire Regiment. He was a D-Day veteran being D-Day plus 3.

He was mainly on anti-aircraft Bofors guns.

Harry saw service on many RAF bases in places like Lincolnshire and also did defensive work at places like Hull and Spurn Head against German air raids. He saw air aces like Douglas Bader (though he said Bader was hated by ground crew for being arrogant)and Clark Gable who was a pilot for the yanks on Flying Fortresses.

On one accasion, his gun crew at King George dock in Hull was in an air raid at night. The searchlights got this Dornier. His gun hit the bomber full on. The plane exploded and lit up the night sky. My Dad was unhappy about this, as it meant the young lads onboard where killed outright with a full bomb load.Harry thinks this occured in late 1943.


Harry served in Europe and later in India (when we were going to invade Japan) including Deolali camp.

His great passion in life though was Wigan Rugby League club. He loved all sport, but Rugby League was almost a religion with him as it is with all those from around the Wigan area.

One of Harrys school friends and best mates was ex Wigan RLFC and Great Britain legend, Martin Ryan. Both went to St. Josephs at Caroline Street, Wigan.