Private 7165 John Barker, 1st Garrison Battalion, Sherwood Foresters, was quite old for war service. He was born in April 1874 and was therefore 41 years of age when war was declared. He lived at 7 Cherry Place, Coalpit Lane, central Nottingham and worked as a framework knitter. He was married with two children.

The 1st Garrison Battalion were posted to the ill fated 1915 gallipoli campaign. On the 26th November 1915 he was accidentally killed with the Mediterranean force. His family always stated he was buried alive in a trench collapse, this never being proved, but on this date the following ranks of the 1st Garrison Battalion are listed as being killed:

Pte 7165 J Barker
Pte 15962 E Oldfield
Pte 29258 J R Roberts [1]
Pte 28924 D F Wainwright

If the story of the trench collapse is true, his comrades above may also have perished with him, as they are all buried at Hill 10 Cemetery, Gallipoli. John Barker is buried in plot 1, row a, grave 15. he is also commemorated on the roll of honor at Saint Stephens church, Sneinton, Nottingham. He left two sons aged 14 and 15 and a wife who was never to remarry.