Friday, 12th February 1915

A medical examination conducted by the Battalion Medical Officer, Lt. Jack, found Pte. William Barker to be of ‘poor physique’ and specifically suffering from varicose veins in his legs. He recommended that Barker be discharged, and the recommendation was confirmed by Colonel Crawford.

William Barker had originally enlisted at Silsden on 16^th September and had joined Tunstill’s Company with the detachment from Keighley. Before joining the army he had been working as a labourer. He was 21 years old and the eldest of seven children of David and Minnie Barker, with whom he lived in East Parade, Steeton.

A letter, from Sgt. Herbert Henry Hoddinott (see 4^th December 1914) to the secretary of Primrose Red Cross League at Brighouse, was published in The Brighouse Echo: ‘On behalf of the men from Brighouse and district now serving in the 10^th West Riding Regiment I beg to offer my sincerest and warmest thanks for the shirts, socks and mittens received from you this week. Same will be distributed to all as soon as possible. I am unable to get them all out this week as part of the men remain at Headquarters, Aldershot, and we are at present billeted at Finchampton. The garments will be very useful and they are very much appreciated by the men. Again thanking you most sincerely on behalf of the Brighouse men’.