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Today, October 27, 1918, is the day that Dauphin's Billy Barker fought the battle that earned him the Victoria Cross.  
 
Severely wounded returning from a mission, Barker found himself in the midst of a formation of German fighters. He destroyed four which allowed him enough time to cross British lines and crash land his plane.  
 
To read his Victoria Cross Citation(there's also a 9 minute video).  
 
Despite being Canada's most decorated soldier and a legend throughout the Commonwealth thanks to the media and the writings Ernest Hemingway, his transition to civilian life did not go well.  
 
The mild-mannered farm-boy was unable to parlay his success into a steady post-military career. Like many retuning soldiers he fought depression, immobilization and constant mental and physical pain.  
 
Settling with his wife in S. Ontario Barker would still do some test flying for hire. On a routine flight his plane nose dived into the ground at full speed. There was speculation that it may have been suicide.  
 
If you happen to pass by Dauphin's airfield (appropriately named Lt. Col W.G. (Billy) Barker V.C. Airport) be sure to stop at the commemorative plaque and remember the young man who in many ways represented the best and worst of what war can do for someone.  
 
For more:  
Today in Manitoba Histor  
 
Other Barker Links:  
William 'Billy' Barker - Virtual Museum of Canada  
William Barker - Canadian Fighter Aces  
 
Edited by mrchristian, 2010-10-27 03:45:58