James William Baker
Personal details
| Date of birth | Friday 8 February 1895 |
| Mother's name | Lucy Elizabeth Baker (nee Marsden) |
| Father's name | James Baker |
| Date of death | Monday 6 November 1916 |
| Place of death | France |
| Cause of death | Wounded in action |
Service details
| Date enlisted | Monday 27 September 1915 |
| Rank at enlistment | Private |
| Rank at discharge | Private |
| Service | Infantry |
| Unit | 4th Battalion |
| Awards | British War Medal, Victory Medal |
Story
James Baker (Service No 4449) was born in Bulli, NSW
Jamesenlisted in the AIFwhen he was 21 years old. Hewas singleand employed as a coal miner at that time, and had previously served with the CMF.
Jamesembarked from Sydney on board HMAT A62 Wandilla with 14th Reinforcement, 4th Battalion on 3rd February 1916. He arrived in Egypt on 7th March 1916 and was sent to France on 4th April 1916.
On 22nd May 1916James was admitted to hospital in France suffering from tonsilitis, and then to hospital in England on 10th June 1916 with influenza.
He returned to his unit in France on 29th October 1916. On 5th November 1916 the 4th Battalion was in action at Fleurs, France,whenJames was wounded, sustaining a shell wound to the head. He was evacuated to 36th Casualty Clearing Station for treatmentbutdied of his wounds the following day.
James is buriedat Heilly Station Cemetery,Mericourt-L' Abbe, Plot V, Row F, Grave 8.
Jameswas the only member ofthe Bakerfamily who didnot return home.
Information sources
NAA: B2455, BAKER J WRelated links
http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/270195/BAKER,20WILLIAM
https://www.aif.adfa.edu.au/showPerson?pid=11479
https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1729720/
https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1504687/
https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R2067585/