William George Barker enlisted in the First Canadian Mounted Rifles in December, 1914 and arrived in England the following summer. He went to France as a machine gunner and later transferred to the Royal Flying Corps as a Lieutenant Observer. While in England he earned his wings and after doing so, returned to France. As a fighter pilot, he downed a total of 50 enemy aircraft in his career.

On October 27, 1918 he shot down 4 enemy aircraft after being engaged by two hostile formations, despite severe injuries. For this outstanding feat, he received the Victoria Cross. In 1924, Barker helped found the Royal Canadian Air Force and started one of Canada's first commercial air services with W.A. Bishop.

Born: 3 Nov 1894, Dauphin, MB
Died: 12 Mar 1930
Awards: VC, DSO, MC