William Kirby and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
Edward was born in 1882 at Seaham Colliery to his parents, James and Jane (nee Embleton) who married in 1880. The couple went on to have 13 children although 4 of them died.
In 1891 the family were living at Back John Street, Dawdon. Father James was working as a seagoing fireman. James was the only worker at that time as all the children were attending school. They included John, Edward, Hannah, Jane, William and Catherine.
By 1901 two more children had been additions to the family. They were named James and Thomas. John senior was now a cooper whilst his sons John and Edward were working at the glass works. John as a glass maker/blower and younger brother Edward was a glass bottle gatherer. Their address was now 15 Lord Street Dawdon.
In 1903 Edward married his sweetheart Henrietta Gibson.
1911 shows the new family at 5 Pilot Terrace, Seaham Harbour. At this time in their marriage the couple had had 5 children but sadly 2 died. The surviving children were Elizabeth Ann, Mary Ellen and Jenny (Jane).
Edward enlisted at Seaham Harbour. He was posted to France on July 13th 1915.
On 30 June 1916, Fricourt village was just within the German front line. It was attacked on 1 July by the 17th Division, and by the end of the day it was caught between that division to the west, the 21st to the north and the 7th to the south. The village was occupied by the 17th Division the following day at which time Edward was killed in action.
Fricourt British Cemetery (Bray Road) was made by the 7th East Yorkshire Regiment between 5 and 11 July 1916. It was used until the end of October, and again (for four burials) in 1918.
Edward’s younger brother James also fought in the Great War. He served with the Coldstream Guards and was killed in action on 30 December 1916 aged 23 years. Another brother, John also fought but survived.
Medals awarded 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Edward Barker is remembered at Dawdon on D41.04 and at Seaham on S117.08
