Identification of RGA Officer 1918

[sjustice]

Hello all,

I am drawing a blank in trying to identify an artillery officer from 1918.

His name is J.B. Walker, likely RGA.

In a letter of October 1918 he shows he is conversant with the Salient environs by noting possible artillery training areas around Gheluwe and 'the crater area of Houthem, Tenbrielen, Zanvoorde, Paschendale [sic]'.

He also speaks of his wish to 'get the mobile brigade I have asked for since last May' and his '11 years service in horsed heavy batteries in peace and war and one year in a bullock hea(v)y battery'.

Can someone identify him precisely?

Kind Regards,

SMJ

[SteveE]

Possible MIC?

Medal card of Walker, John Barry

Corps Regiment No Rank

Royal Garrison Artillery Captain

10th Corps Heavy Artillery Major

Date 1914-1920

Catalogue reference WO 372/20

Steve

[SteveE]

Card itself......

Steve

[mhifle]

He is listed as Lieutenant on the Jan 1906 Army List with the RGA

and as a Captain on the July 1911 Army List with the RGA.

L : Qualified as 1st Class Interpreter in a Modern Foreign Language.

Regards Mark

[charlesmessenger]

Simon

John Barry Walker was born in India 29/4/81, the son of a railway engineer. Educated Bath College and RMA Woolwich. 2Lt RA 6/1/00. Served Malta, India and Canada and in Aug 1914 was with 48 Heavy Bty RGA, part of 3rd Division, after being promoted Capt 2/1/11. Took part in the opening battles and won the DSO for saving a wounded gunner under heavy fire on the Aisne 14/9/14. Became Brigade Major No 1 Group Heavy Artillery Reserve in Match 1915 and took part in Neuve Chapelle, Festubert, and Loos. Promoted Major 5/8/15. He was an RA staff officer with Second Army Jun 1916 – Feb 1917, when he was promoted A/Lt Col and became Counter-Battery Staff Officer with X Corps, taking part in essines, Third Ypres and the Flanders 1918 fighting. Commanded 41 Brigade RGA Nov 1918 – April 1919 and then reverted to rank of Major. He was mentioned in despatches six times and awarded the French Croix de Guerre. He married in 1910 and had two sons and two daughters.

Charles M

[sjustice]

Steve, Mark, Charles

Gentlemen, you surpass yourselves.

I believe that to be the man in question without a shadow of a doubt.

Well done and thank you very much.

Kind Regards,

SMJ

Simon

John Barry Walker was born in India 29/4/81, the son of a railway engineer. Educated Bath College and RMA Woolwich. 2Lt RA 6/1/00. Served Malta, India and Canada and in Aug 1914 was with 48 Heavy Bty RGA, part of 3rd Division, after being promoted Capt 2/1/11. Took part in the opening battles and won the DSO for saving a wounded gunner under heavy fire on the Aisne 14/9/14. Became Brigade Major No 1 Group Heavy Artillery Reserve in Match 1915 and took part in Neuve Chapelle, Festubert, and Loos. Promoted Major 5/8/15. He was an RA staff officer with Second Army Jun 1916 – Feb 1917, when he was promoted A/Lt Col and became Counter-Battery Staff Officer with X Corps, taking part in essines, Third Ypres and the Flanders 1918 fighting. Commanded 41 Brigade RGA Nov 1918 – April 1919 and then reverted to rank of Major. He was mentioned in despatches six times and awarded the French Croix de Guerre. He married in 1910 and had two sons and two daughters.

Charles M

[mhifle]

Hi,

This is from the August 1914 Army List

Regards Mark