3-8588 PTE W.BARKER 2/SUFF.R.
William Barker
Born Great Yarmouth
To France 15/9/14 & served with 2nd Suffolk Regiment
On the first day of the Battle of the Scarpe on 9/4/17 around Arras, the 2nd Suffolks attacked the Harp - this was described as an unqualified success with very light casualties. However, 2 days later on 11/4/17 they were ordered to attack Guemappe at very short notice & without preparation. The 2nd Suffolks' advanced over a ridge & through terrific enfilading Machine Gun fire 'with their steel helmets tilted over to the right, as though they were marching along in a hailstorm' but their attack was unsuccessful & resulted in 124 casualties
DOW F&F 11/4/17
Buried in Duisans British Cemetery, Etrun, France
With copy of his Medal Index Card, SDGW & CWGC details plus a Regimental History extract
Condition: VF
