Harry Knox Baker

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Wed, 03/08/2016 - 14:29

First Name:

Harry

Middle Name:

Knox

Last Name:

Baker

Date of Birth:

Thursday, May 25, 1893

Mother's Name:

Georgina Baker

Father's Name:

Ernest Baker

Date Enlisted:

Tuesday, September 28, 1915

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Sergeant

Unit:

55th Battalion

Company:

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Date of Death:

Saturday, July 23, 1977

Place of Death:

Concord Hospital, Sydney

Details:

Harry Baker (Service No 4741) was born in Picton, N.S.W. and came to Wollongong where he worked as a postal assistant.

He was awarded his Bronze Medal in swimming in 1914.

A single 22 year old who had served 2 years in the Senior Cadets, he tried to enlist early in 1915 but was not accepted due to medical reasons. He was admitted to Wollongong Hospital in August 1915 and the issue was resolved.

Harry embarked from Sydney on HMAT A15 Star of England with 15th Reinforcements, 3rd Battalion, on 8th March 1916. The troops arrived in Egypt and on 20th April 1916 harry was transferred to C Company, 55th Battalion. On 29th June 1916 he arrived in France and went with the battalion to Fromelle. The 55th battalion were heavily involved in the attack but Harry seems to have survived uninjured.

On 1st August 1916 he was admitted to hospital sick with influenza.

On 22nd August Harry was promoted to Lance Corporal, then on 17th November 1916 to Corporal and finally to Sergeant on 11th April 1917.

Harry saw service on the Western Front with 55th Battalion and came through without injury.

He returned to Australia in June 1919 and was discharged on 1st October 1919.

One month later, on 1st November 1919, Harry married Sarah Faber and together they raised 2 children.

On 19th August 1940 Harry enlisted for service in World War 2 and served until 1st February 1946 with the Kembla Coast Artillery.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, BAKER H K