Barker VC

The greatest fighter pilot the world has ever seen

Jan 24, 2009 Murray McLeod

The story of Billy Barker, the aggressive Canadian pilot who fought an epic solo duel against 60 German fighters in the final days of World War 1.

Manitoba Regiment

William George Barker was ranked seventh in the list of British aces. His service career began in 1914 as a 20-years old private in the Manitoba Regiment and following his unit's arrival in France in late 1915, shortly afterwards Barker transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. His first posting was as an observer with No.9 Squadron, a reconnaissance unit equipped with the BE2c. Barker showed early evidence of his offensive spirit when he shot down an enemy aircraft, and his excellent work as an observer was recognised with a commission and the award of the Military Cross.

Early Success

An obvious move for the adventurous Barker was to become a pilot, and following training, where he soloed after only 55 minutes instruction Barker was posted to No.15 Squadron. It was equipped with the inadequate BE2c, and during Barker’s tenure it re-equipped with the RE8; and despite its intractability managed to shoot down an enemy aircraft to advance his score.

Italian Front

In September 1915 Barker returned to England for a tour of duty as an instructor; but that prospect held little appeal for the aggressive Canadian who made a request for a transfer to a scout squadron. A new unit, No.28 was being raised at Yatesbury and it became Barker’s opportunity to operate in Sopwith Camels. The unit served only briefly in France and in November 1917 it transferred to the less-active Italian Front.

Squadron Commander

By the end of January 1918 Barker’s score had risen to 9 aircraft and 2 balloons, but his expectation of being given command of the squadron was denied. Disappointed with the outcome he applied for a transfer to France; instead he was moved to No.66, another Camel unit operating in Italy. Finally he was promoted to Major and given command of the newly formed No.139. Barker took his personal Camel with him to 139 and continued to add to his score; which by July 1918 stood at 33 aircraft and 9 balloons.

Return to France

By September Barker’s tally stood at 49 confirmed victories; but in no way did it diminish his desire to return to France. His persistence was rewarded with a return to England and command of a school of aerial fighting; although the appointment was not entirely to Barker’s liking. He sought permission to return to France in order to gain combat experience against the latest enemy scouts. His superiors were not kindly disposed to the arrangement but reluctantly gave Barker a roving commission with 201 Squadron.

The Greatest Dogfight

The Sopwith Snipe had only recently come into service and it was in a Snipe that Barker fought the greatest air duel of the war. On 27 October he fought his epic single-handed battle against a formation of 60 German scouts. In a veritable fight for his life he succeeded in destroying four of them. He was wounded on three separate occasions; several times he fainted and only through sheer willpower did he remain at the controls until finally his bullet-ridden Snipe crashed inside the British lines.

Victoria Cross

Barker’s life hovered in the balance for two weeks and his recovery was a tribute to his vitality and strength of will. He was awarded a well-merited Victoria Cross for the incredible episode, which brought his final tally to 53. The greatest tribute to Barker came from his countryman, the redoubtable Billy Bishop; who in his autobiography ‘Winged Peace’, labelled Barker as: ‘The greatest fighter pilot the world has ever seen.’ It was ironic that the legendary Barker would die in a flying accident at Ottawa in 1930.

The copyright of the article Barker VC in Military History is owned by Murray McLeod. Permission to republish Barker VC in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.