Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An original wartime R.C.A.F. ‘Aircrew other than Pilot’ flying log book appertaining to K-192594 R. R. Barker, Royal Canadian Air Force, who flew operationally in Catalinas of No. 120 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron out of Coal Harbour, British Columbia - and was awarded the B.E.M. in respect of his gallantry in attempting to save his pilot when their aircraft crashed at Port Alice in February 1944, covering the period February 1943 to February 1944, one page torn and loose leaf, otherwise in good condition £80-100

Ronald Rogerson Barker, who was born in August 1923, enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in Vancouver in September 1942 and, following Wireless Operator and Air Gunner courses, was posted to No. 120 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron, a Catalina unit, at Coal Harbour, B.C., in October 1943 - and subsequently flew around half a dozen patrols in the period leading up to January 1944. Then on 4 February 1944, while serving as a member of crew in a Norseman 695 of No. 116 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron, he was recommended for the A.F.M. for gallantry in attempting to save life, an award subsequently amended to an immediate B.E.M. Courage and Service - Awards to the Royal Canadian Air Force 1939-45, by John Blatherwick and Hugh Halliday, takes up the story:

‘This N.C.O. showed remarkable courage and daring, with total disregard for his personal safety, when, on 4 February 1944, after being thrown clear from a crashed aircraft which immediately caught fire, he rushed into the flames in an endeavour to save the life of the pilot [Warrant Officer Class 2 J. J. Eccles], who was stunned by the impact. After his first attempt he was seriously burned and driven back by the flames. His courageous initiative instigated rescue action by the civilian onlookers with the result that the pilot was rescued from burning to death.’

Barker afterwards served at Western Command H.Q. and was released in November 1945.