Royal Air Force
By Lorna Thompson - lorna.thompson@hnmedia.co.uk
Published: 16:00, 19 October 2021
THE UK’s seventh Poseidon has been named in honour of a Canadian pilot who was awarded a Victoria Cross (VC) while serving with 201 Squadron RAF during the First World War.
The Maritime Patrol Aircraft ZP807, due to arrive at its RAF Lossiemouth home tonight, will be known as "William Barker VC".
Six of the nine Poseidon aircraft, ordered as part of a UK Government investment of £470 million at RAF Lossiemouth, are now in operation at the base.
The sixth maritime patrol aircraft, "Guernsey’s Reply", touched down at the base on September 21, joining Pride of Moray, City of Elgin, Terence Bulloch DSO DFC, Spirit of Reykjavik and Fulmar.
The aircraft operate in an anti-submarine warfare role as part of the re-established 201 Squadron, providing maritime patrol side-by-side with the Royal Navy and other allies.
Major Barker (1894-1930) is the most decorated serviceman in the history of Canada.
Wing Commander William Barker VC. Picture: National Defence
Canada.Wing Commander William Barker with a Sopwith Camel aircraft in which he shot down 46 enemy aircraft. Picture: DND Archives.
Poseidon ZP807 'William Barker VC'.
In October 1918 Major Barker was flying a Sopwith Snipe overhead the Western Front when he became embroiled in a dogfight with 15 enemy aircraft.
Despite being wounded three times in the legs and having his left elbow blown away, he managed to control his biplane and disable three enemy aircraft before making a forced landing.
When he regained consciousness several days later, he was informed that he was to receive the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy".
In a short note to the commander of 201 Squadron, Major Barker wrote: "By Jove, I was a foolish boy, but anyhow I taught them a lesson."
Group Captain Rob O’Dell, from ISTAR Force Headquarters, said: "The Royal Air Force has always enjoyed the closest of ties with the Royal Canadian Air Force and it is entirely fitting to name this aircraft after William Barker VC, whose exceptional gallantry continues to serve as an inspiration to military aviators.
"Major Barker won his VC in 1918 while serving on 201 Squadron, who now operate the Poseidon.
"This also provides an appropriate link to the Royal Canadian Air Force’s subsequent key role within Coastal Command during the Battle of the Atlantic in World War Two, and their continuing contribution to North Atlantic maritime security today."
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