Field Artillery Brigade. Courtesy Digger History.

Lot Sydney Forbes BARKER

Lot Sydney Forbes Barker, Service No. 33251, was one of seven children born to William Lee and Janet (nee Eggleston) Barker. The family may not have spent long in Kilmore as all seven children were born in different Victorian towns. Lot was aged 23 years and 10 months when he enlisted in November 1916 and had recently married Margaret Johnston. At the time the couple were living in Preston and Lot was employed as an engineer.

Following a period of training Lot embarked for overseas active duty aboard the “Shropshire” in May 1917. In September he marched in to France attached to the 12^th FAB as a Gunner. During his time of active duty he was moved around various units, including the 14^th FAB and the Brigade Ammunition Column.

In August 1918 Lot was hospitalised in the field with influenza. Shortly after returning to duty he was gassed and subsequently transferred to England for treatment where he remained for the duration of the war. He returned to Australi aboard the “Ceramic” in March 1919.

Lot was awarded the British War Medal, the 1914/15 Star and the Victory Medal. His name appears on the Kilmore Honour Roll.

Post war Lot established a successful engineering business, L.S. Barker Engineer, first operating from Cumberland Place, North Melbourne and later Collie Street & Willis Street, North Melbourne. He died at Montrose aged 55 years in 1947 and is buried at Springvale Cemetery.

Compiled by Kilmore Historical Society.