G. C. Barter
Service no. 130528
Bombardier, Royal Garrison Artillery, 359th Siege Bty.
Died on 3 April 1918
Husband of Mrs. M. A. E. Barter, of 4, Wyvil Road, South Lambeth Road, London.
Remembered at Voormezeele Enclosures No. 1 and No.2, Ypres, Belgium
Information from the 1911 census and London Marriages and Banns
In 1911, before their family was started, George Cecil Barter, 26, and Mary Ann Elizabeth Barter (nee Dade), 29, lived at 39 Coppermill Row in Walthamstow, east London. George was working as a hotel porter. He was born in Swindon, Wiltshire. Mary was born in Lambeth. The census shows that her family were living at 4 Wyvil Road, which became her home after she was widowed. The couple were married at St Anne’s Church, South Lambeth Road on 11 December 1910.
British Army WWI Service Records 1914-1920
When George Barter died at Ypres his widow Mary was left to care for five young children. It was too much. “You will notice that my son G. W. B. Barter is not at present living with me as his uncle has undertaken him for me,” she explained to the notoriously strict Pension Board in April 1918. Her hands were full, she said, coping on her own with four younger children from five to 10 months. Soon afterwards she moved back to her parents’ home at 4 Wyvil Road, South Lambeth.
Sadly, her burden was reduced a few months later. Ernest, her youngest, died of convulsions and brochopneumonia. She carefully submitted his death certificate to the authorities.
In civilian life, Barter was a hotel porter. Before they started their family he and Mary lived at 39 Coppermill Row in Walthamstow, east London. Originally he was from Swindon, Wiltshire, while Mary was born in Lambeth. They married at St Anne’s Church, South Lambeth Road (which Mary called “Old Lambeth Church” in her paperwork) on 4 December 1910.
Barter, 5 feet 8 inches, with a 39-inch chest (which he could expand by four inches), was 36 when he was conscripted on 19 November 1916. He was in England until June 1917, when he was sent to France (he was simultaneously promoted to Bombardier). After death, he was awarded a Military Medal.
His effects included photos, pipe pocket, book, religious medallion, match box case, two cigarette cases, pocket knife, pouch, nine-carat gold ring, wristwatch and strap, photo case, disc, cards and a farthing.
