Digger's resting place marked with headstone

Digger’s resting place marked with headstone

October 1, 2024 BY James Taylor

Torquay RSL's Lyle Raison with his grand-daughter Georgia at the new headstone marking the final resting place of World Wat I veteran Private Sydney Harold Baker. Photo: SUPPLIED

A WORLD War I veteran’s unmarked grave has now been properly commemorated thanks to the efforts of the Torquay RSL.

A review of cemeteries sought burial sites of soldiers who served during World War I and who were interred locally, with Private Sydney Harold Barker’s the only one discovered.

Torquay RSL’s Lyle Raison – a veteran of Vietnam and Malaysia – found the unmarked grave of Mr Barker, and Torquay RSL recently placed a headstone at the grave site in the Wesleyan Section of Bellbrae Cemetery.

Mr Raison said Mr Barker’s final resting place went unmarked for half a century but he was elated Mt Barker’s military service was now there to be seen by all who passed his grave.

The new headstone is in the Wesleyan Section of Bellbrae Cemetery.

“Our search for unmarked World War I graves in local cemeteries in this region was well worthwhile.

“Assisted and encouraged by the Bellbrae Cemetery Trust members and with the generous support of Buckle Stonemasons, Geelong, Torquay RSL is proud that Private Sydney Barker, is now recognised.”

Sydney Barker was born on May 26, 1893 at Jan Juc, and except for time on overseas Army service, lived and worked locally.

Aged 23, he enlisted into the Australian Army on October 24, 1916 at Geelong as a private, Regimental Number 3114, into the 57th Australian Infantry Battalion, AIF – departing for France on December 16, 1916.

He served with the battalion until he was wounded by a gunshot to the face (right eye and jaw) on September 29. 1918 near Nauroy, France.

Private Sydney Harold Baker, seen here during his military service, was buried in an unmarked grave.

After recovering, Mr Barker returned to Australia during 1919 with his right eye missing, and went on to live in the Torquay area until his death on July 6, 1974.

The grave at Bellbrae Cemetery also holds his wife, Elizabeth, and their day-old son, also called Sydney.

Mr Raison said there are many reasons why veterans did not have headstones, including religion and finance.

“However, some veterans ‘just don’t want to be linked to their horrid past.

“Thanks must go to Bellbrae Cemetery Trust members, in particular the secretary and Jeff Wapling for their guidance and advice, Harry Buckle, stonemason, for his quality resources, workmanship and time, and Cheryl Baulch from Museum without Walls for her assistance with family research.

“All made a big contribution towards the monument stone being installed.”