Fighting the Zulus

Subject: Fighting the Zulus Wed Aug 09, 2023 9:35 pm

Hi all

Barry Dock News 8th October 1897:

Fighting the Zulus

Ex Sergeant Barker at Barry Docks

The popular lecturer and gospel missioner, Ex Sergeant Barker, delivered an interesting lecture at the Wesleyan Chapel, Hilton road, (kindly let for the occasion) on Wednesday evening last.
Sergeant Barker took for his subject "Two years in the saddle and on bullock wagons fighting the Zulus" Mr F Oldfield, Cardiff, presided, and there was good attendance, the lecture being an interesting and instructive one throughout. The proceeds were in aid of the Primitive Methodist building fund.

An interesting article, I wonder if he was referring to his own exploits or historical events.

Photo available within the article.

Subject: Re: Fighting the Zulus Thu Aug 10, 2023 2:51 am

Hi All

I have found this reference to him himself having been present in Zululand.

Llais Flafur 29th January 1916

WHEN MR G BARKER WAS A SOLDIER

Mr George Barker reminded his colleagues on the executive Council of the South Wales miners' federation on Saturday that 37 years to that day the 24th regiment (the South Wales Borderers) was cut up by the Zulu at Isandlwana. Mr Barker was fighting for six hours that day with the forces 15 miles away from the spot.

Subject: Re: Fighting the Zulus Thu Aug 10, 2023 9:13 am

Eddie,

There was a Pte. 45th Brigade/590 G. Barker serving in the 2nd Battalion, 3rd (East Kent) Regiment. On 22nd January 1879 “The Buffs” were involved in the Battle of Nyezane, however, at just under 170kms, it is just a tad over 15 miles away.

JY

Subject: Re: Fighting the Zulus Thu Aug 10, 2023 10:06 am

Hi John

That is most probably him that went on to be a Gospel missioner and lecturer. Thank you.

Subject: Re: Fighting the Zulus Thu Aug 10, 2023 10:11 am

Eddie,

There’s only one G. Barker on the Medal Roll, who received the clasp 1879.

JY

Subject: Re: Fighting the Zulus Fri Aug 11, 2023 9:14 pm

The title of his lecture is a bit unusual for an infantryman. Perhaps he was in the transport section of the battalion. Did they have their own drivers in infantry battalions to drive their own wagons in addition to civilian and commissary drivers?
Regards
Phil

Subject: Re: Fighting the Zulus Fri Aug 11, 2023 9:25 pm

Phil,

“In the saddle…” possibly a former Mounted Infantryman? Which might add some credence to being 15 miles away from iSandlwana, as “The Buffs” supplied men to No. 1 Squadron, Mounted Infantry.

However, he does not appear on the M.I. Roll, so I can discount that theory.

JY

Subject: Re: Fighting the Zulus Fri Aug 11, 2023 9:44 pm

Hi John, that was my first thought but I couldn’t find him in any colonial or regular mounted unit including the MI, RA or Commissariat units. As you said, the G Barker in the Buffs does seem to be the only name match.
Phil

Subject: Re: Fighting the Zulus Sat Aug 12, 2023 5:31 pm

Hi all

See the following thread: Private 45/590 George Barker 2/3rd Regiment Nyezane and Ginindhlova, Sun July 17, 2022, 6:21pm
It is George Barker, John mentions above. He became a Labour MP and Lecturer.

Subject: Re: Fighting the Zulus Sat Aug 12, 2023 6:04 pm

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Subject: Re: Fighting the Zulus Fri Aug 25, 2023 2:49 pm

Eddie
But...that Barker was never in the IMI's 2/3rd section.

Subject: Re: Fighting the Zulus Fri Aug 25, 2023 3:22 pm

Julian,

Which is why I discount that idea on 11th August at 21:25hrs.

JY

Subject: Re: Fighting the Zulus Fri Aug 25, 2023 5:34 pm

John
Eddie's post of 12th August at 4.31 p.m. had not seemed to register your point, still suggesting that it might be his Barker, which is why I made the 1.49 post.

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