Amazing “Marriage”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 607, 8 March 1929, Page 1

Amazing “Marriage”

WOMAN MASQUERADER

“Seemed Fine, Manly Fellow”

{Australian and N.Z. Press Association) (united P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) (United Service) Received 11 a.m. LONDON, Thursday FURTHER light is thrown on the amazing - career of the woman who masqueraded as “Captain Barker” by revelations that, posing as a man, she actually went through the form of marriage with a woman of 27, and lived with her for some time.

It is stated that Scotland Yard is investigating the career of “Captain” Barker, who is still in Holloway Gaol. An application for her release is being made in the law courts to-morrow. It is now definitely established that her real name is Barker. Somerset House records reveal that when she was 22 she married an Australian named Smith. Smith’s whereabouts are unknown, but there were two children of the marriage. The mystery of the name of Pearce-Crouch, under which she was known both in Paris and Littlehampton, is unsolved. It is understood that she lived in Paris under that name together with her two children. Pearce-Crouch is stated to have been an officer in the Austra-

lian Army, but the suggestion that her husband changed his name from Smith is at present unconfirmed. It is learned that they lived in an oldworld cottage at Littlehampton under the name of Mr. and Mrs. PearceCrouch, but it is definitely stated that the couple quarrelled and the husband left, after which Barker went to Brighton. Inquiries reveal that Barker lived in many places in England, stories of her behaviour and activities all adding to the amazing character of her successful masquerade. The ‘‘Evening Standard” says that the woman’s marriage certificate is dated April 27, 191 S, and was issued at Milford, Surrey. It shows that the bridegroom was Harold Arkell Smith, aged 38, a bachelor, and a secondlieutenant in the Australian Forces. Barker’s so-called wife, in an interview, said that she was terrified at the thought of the disgrace brought on her family. She never for a moment suspected anything. She had been thinking of divorce for some time, but could not afford it. The first part of their married life had been happy enough. The most startling revelation is the fact that while she was masquerading as a man she was “married” in November, 1923, at St. Peter’s Church, Brighton, to Miss Alfreda Emma Haw- ■ ard, aged 27, daughter of a chemist j at Littlehampton. The curate of the parish performed the ceremony. The “bride’s” parents were present. The entry in the register describes the “bridegroom” as “Victor Barker, aged 29, bachelor, independent, son of William Barker, deceased.” Mr. and Mrs. Haw ard only learned yesterday that the person who was supposed to have married their daughter really was a woman. Mrs. Haward says “Barker” courted her daughter as Sir Victor Barker for two years. She posed as a baronet S.nd kept worrying Alfreda to marry. The impostor seemed to be a fine, fellow, and knew liow to make love to a girl. Some members of the family opposed the match, but the daughter’s heart was set on it so she was not opposed. The “marriage” was not happy. The pair lived at Brighton, Hove, Andover, and other places, but the “wife” became miserable and said she felt compelled to leave her husband for ever and return home. This she did, and has stayed with her parents ever since, helping them in their little business.