A World War One (WW1) veteran has been given a headstone at Bellbrae Cemetery after half a century of being in an unmarked grave.
Torquay RSL’s Lyle Raison, a Vietnam and Malaysia veteran, found Private Sydney Harold Barker’s unmarked grave while looking for burial sites of WW1 veterans across the region’s cemeteries.
Mr Raison said he was glad to see Private Barker getting the recognition he deserved after serving in the 57th Australian Infantry Battalion for close to two years from 1916.
“Our search for unmarked WW1 graves in local cemeteries in this region was well worthwhile,” he said.
“Thanks must go to Bellbrae Cemetery Trust members, in particular, the Secretary and Jeff Wapling, for their guidance and advice.
“Along with Harry Buckle, stonemason, for his quality resources, workmanship and time, and Cheryl Baulch (Museum without Walls) for her assistance with family research.”
Private Barker was born in Jan Juc on May 26, 1893, and served in the army until he was shot in the face, causing injuries to her right eye and jaw, on September 29, 1918, near Nauroy, France.
He survived, moved back to Australia in 1919, and lived in the Torquay region until his death on July 6, 1974. He was buried in the Wesleyan Section of Bellbrae Cemetery without a headstone.
Mr Raison said there were many reasons why veterans don’t have headstones, like religion or finances, but that it could also be that they don’t want to be linked to their “horrid past”.
