🇨🇦 THEY STOOD ON GUARD 🇨🇦 OCTOBER 27, 1918 — THE EXTRAORDINARY COURAGE OF WILLIAM GEORGE BARKER 108 YEARS AGO TODAY Just 15 days before the end of the First World War, a Canadian flying ace from Manitoba fought one of the most remarkable aerial battles in military history. His name was Major William George “Billy” Barker. Born near Dauphin, Manitoba, in 1894, Barker enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in 1914 before transferring to the Royal Flying Corps in 1916. He would become one of Canada’s greatest fighter pilots. On the morning of October 27, 1918, Barker was flying a Sopwith Snipe fighter aircraft over the Forêt de Mormal in France when he spotted and attacked a German reconnaissance aircraft. After destroying it, he suddenly found himself under attack by German Fokker fighters. What followed was an extraordinary fight for survival. Barker was shot in his right thigh, then wounded again in his left leg. Surrounded by enemy aircraft, he continued fighting despite his injuries. He lost consciousness, and his aircraft plunged out of control. Somehow, he regained consciousness, recovered his aircraft and resumed fighting. Then another bullet shattered his left elbow. He lost consciousness a second time. Yet Barker recovered once again, fought his way through the attacking aircraft and eventually reached Allied lines, where he crash-landed his badly damaged fighter. Despite his terrible wounds, he survived. During the engagement, Barker was officially credited with destroying four enemy aircraft, bringing his wartime total to 50 victories. For his extraordinary courage, he was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for valour in the face of the enemy. Barker became one of the most highly decorated servicemen in Canadian history. Tragically, he died in an aviation accident near Ottawa on March 12, 1930, at just 35 years old. Today, we remember a remarkable Canadian whose courage in the skies over France remains an enduring part of our military history. Major William George Barker, VC, DSO & Bar, MC & Two Bars (1894–1930). 🇨🇦 We will remember him. #TheyStoodOnGuard #LestWeForget #WW1