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Godfrey Barker, born on 13th January 1883, was admitted to King Edward’s School in January 1895. He lived with his parents, Lieutenant Colonel Sir Francis Barker and Lady Charlotte Barker, in Stanley House, Mayfield Road, Moseley (and later at St Bernard’s Road, Olton). Godfrey was one of eight siblings, four of whom were Old Edwardians and two of whom also served during the war, William Arthur winning a Distinguished Service Order.
Godfrey played in the School 1st XV in 1900-1901, and also played fives. He was, according to the Chronicle, March 1901: “A smart half, that has been rather disappointing of late. Exceedingly plucky, but occasionally rather selfish, is a tricky runner, tackles well and is a fair kick, but rather weak behind the scrum when the ball is heeled.”
Upon the outbreak of war, Godfrey enlisted as a Captain in the Royal Marine Light Infantry. He was killed on 29th April 1915 in Gallipoli, reaching the rank of Major in the Drake Battalion (Royal Naval Division). He is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Turkey.