Harry Knox Baker
Personal details
| Date of birth | Thursday 25 May 1893 |
| Mother's name | Georgina Baker |
| Father's name | Ernest Baker |
| Date of death | Saturday 23 July 1977 |
| Place of death | Concord Hospital, Sydney |
Service details
| Date enlisted | Tuesday 28 September 1915 |
| Rank at enlistment | Private |
| Rank at discharge | Sergeant |
| Service | Infantry |
| Unit | 55th Battalion |
| Company | C |
| Awards | British War Medal, Victory Medal |
Story
Harry Baker (Service No 4741) was born in Picton, NSW 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.
Information sources
NAA: B2455, BAKER H KRelated links
https://aif.adfa.edu.au/showPerson?pid=11371
https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1806490/