Private George Frederick Baker (1310)

Biography

George Baker was the son of Thomas and Mary Baker and husband of Rose Baker of 1 Lansdowne Villas, Moorlands Road, Malvern. He was an agent of the Prudential Insurance Company and a member of the Malvern Rifle Volunteers when the South African War ^[1] broke out. He volunteered for active service and was accepted. When the 1901 Census was taken in April 1901 George Baker was at Norton Barracks, near Worcester with the Volunteer Company of Worcestershire Regiment ^[2]. He later became a slot collector under the Gas Department of the Urban District Council and subsequently a ships steward.

First World War

George was in Western Australia on the outbreak of war and joined up in November 1914; despite being 38 his previous military service obviously stood in his favour and he was accepted.  He joined the 11th Infantry Battalion, part of the 1st Australian Division and took part in some desperate fighting at Gallipoli ^[3].

On the 10th August he was mentioned, along with several other officers and men in Divisional Orders for gallant and good work on the night 31st July/1st August, during the taking of a Turkish trench. On the 25th September he was invalided to England with sickness and was admitted to the 2nd Southern General Hospital and Southmeads, Bristol.

He rejoined his unit in March 1916, and disembarked at Marseilles with them at the beginning of April. He had a short period of leave in Malvern only three weeks before he was killed in action on the 30th May near Armentieres. He had a wife and young family.