William Barker, VC: The Life, Death and Legend of Canada's Most Decorated War Hero [Hardcover]

Wayne Ralph (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 5, 2007

A True Canadian Hero! William Barker is Canada's most-decorated Great War hero. Born in Dauphin, Manitoba on Nov. 3, 1894, he wracked up a total of 50 victories on the Italian and Western fronts. He fought a spectacular dogfight, single-handedly, against 10-plus German fighters (Barker estimated to Captain Johnston in 1919 approximately 15) on October 27, 1918, for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross (which is traditionally awarded posthumously). His life was tragically cut short in a flying accident in Ottawa in 1930. Despite his decorations for bravery, his remains were buried in a crypt marked Smith (his wife's family) in Toronto. The author felt the need to address Barker's obscurity. In true Wayne Ralph style, he brings to life the country that was Canada in the early 20th century through this compelling story. This new illustrated edition celebrates Canada's mostdecorated WWI combatant. The exploits of William Barker, VC, DSO, MC merit lasting publication.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Wayne Ralph (St. John's, NF) grew up in a military family. He has been a magazine editor and publisher (Wings Magazine, 1976-1981), communications consultant, freelance journalist, biographer, military flying instructor (RCAF 1965-1973), and commercial airline pilot. He is the author of Aces, Warriors & Wingmen (ISBN 978-0-470-83590-6).

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (June 5, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470839678
• ISBN-13: 978-0470839676
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 8.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,200,373 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars The Definitive Biography of Canada's Greatest Ace!, January 17, 2011

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Michael OConnor "Wordsmith" (Wausau, WI USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: William Barker, VC: The Life, Death and Legend of Canada's Most Decorated War Hero (Hardcover)

William George 'Billy' Barker was one of the greatest aces of World War I and Canada's most decorated war hero. Flying Sopwith Camels and Snipes, he downed 50 enemy aircraft in 1917/18. Barker was awarded the Victoria Cross, Distinguished Service Order and Bar, Military Cross and two Bars, the French Croix-de-Guerre and two Italian Silver Medals for Valour. Killed in a senseless peacetime flying accident in 1930, Barker became yesterday's hero, his legacy forgotten until others like author Wayne Ralph came forward to publicize this intrepid airman. Ralph's superbly researched and wonderfully written WILLIAM BARKER VC; THE LIFE, DEATH & LEGEND OF CANADA'S MOST DECORATED WAR HERO will stand as THE definitive account of Barker's life and times.

Growing up on a Manitoba farm, the young 'Will' Barker became an excellent shot, a talent that would be enormously helpful in the coming years! Barker caught the flying bug in 1910 when he saw early Canadian aviators flying Curtiss and Wright Flyers at various farm exhibitions. Enlisting soon after war's outbreak in 1914, he served in France as a machine gunner until early 1916 when he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. Flying as an observer and then as a pilot in BE-2s, Barker claimed three kills. In August 1917 he joined 28 Squadron, flying Camels. Though not a gifted pilot, Barker was highly regarded for his aggressiveness and marksmanship. By the time the squadron moved to the Italian Front in November, Barker has four kills to his credit. Within the next year, Barker would claim 33 e/a and nine observation balloons downed individually or with other pilots. Returning to England in September 1918, he wangled a 10-day roving commission to fly on the Western Front. On 27 October 1918, flying alone in a Snipe, he took on an estimated 60(!) German fighters, downing four but being seriously wounded in return. He received the VC. Postwar he entered into business with Billy Bishop, a venture that failed. Rejoining the RCAF in 1922 he served until 1926. Becoming President of Fairchild Aircraft in Canada, he died while stunting a Fairchild biplane in 1930. Sadly, his last years were marred by alcoholism, brought on, in part, by the horrendous wounds he had suffered on 27 October 1918.

WILLIAM BARKER VC is a pleasure to read; Ralph is an exceptionally talented writer. The book itself is a reprint of Ralph's 1997 book BARKER VC and is an engagingly-written, insightful and sympathetic account not only of one hell of a combat pilot but also a complex human being with problems and failings like everyone else. Ralph makes no attempt to sugarcoat or minimize Barker's problems in his later years. By book's end, you not only know who Billy Barker was and what he did "in the Great War" but you also have an admiration for the man himself. Highly recommended.