Edward Newland Barker was born in Melton in 1882. He was the son of Charles and Emma Barker who lived in The Street. Edward’s father was a retired police constable who had since gone on to make a living as a shoe repairer. In 1901, Edward was working in London as a footman for Gertrude Agatha Hodgson, the widow of James Stewart Hodgson, a director of Barings Bank.

In 1908, Edward married Margaret Finlay Garvie, from Linlithgow in Scotland and in 1911, they were living in York, with Edward listed as being a Private in the Royal Army Medical Corps. He left the “Colours” going into the Reserve and, shortly afterwards, joined the Post Office in Falkirk as a postman.

When war was declared, Edward went directly to his battalion’s depot and became one of the first sent overseas, arriving in France on 25th August 1914. He served with the 11th General Hospital, based in Boulogne throughout the war.

Once the war was over, Edward was discharged and returned to Linlithgow and the Post Office, living at Strawberry Bank with his now disabled wife and two children.

In 1923, Edward fell on hard times and pleaded guilty to opening letters when, in May, he appeared in court – there was never any suggestion of theft. This indiscretion resulted in him being fined £10 or ten days in prison. The army was informed of his conviction, which could have resulted in him being ordered to return his medals; however, a note on his medal index card states “Medals not forfeited” dated 21st July 1923.

In 1938, Margaret, Edward’s wife, died. They were still living at 20 Strawberry Hill at the time and Edward was working for the Nobel explosives factory in the town.

For his war service, Edward received the 1914 Star and the British War and Victory Medals.