‘Great friend’ is written on the back of J A Philipson’s photograph of Pte G A ‘Chelsea’ Barker, of 16 DLI. The tie--not allowed with Other Ranks battle dress for most of the war--and the medal ribbons suggest that this is an early postwar portrait. To see the reverse of the photograph, click here.
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The writing on the reverse of the of the photo continues: ‘7782068 Chelsea Barker, c/o HQ 54 Area CMF’ His Army number indicates Barker originally enlisted in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps. He was reported wounded serving with 16 DLI in Tunisia on 18/3/43, but presumably returned to the Battalion for further service in Italy.
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HQ 54 Area of the Central Mediterranean Forces seems to have been some kind of holding unit. I have an un-captioned group photograph of the unit which I obtained from the Durham Country Record Office. To this photograph click here.
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NEXT J A PHILIPSON 16 DLI PHOTOGRAPH
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