Willie Baker
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Willie baker was the youngest son of Thomas and Elizabeth Baker, born 1/11/1893, one of eight children. He attended Blyth infant school between 1902 and 1907. The family had arrived in Blyth around the year 1880 where most of the children were born. Willie hardly knew his father, as Thomas Baker died 2 years after Willie’s birth. As stated in a Guardian report, Willie was the first from the village to enlist. His brother Charles W, maybe the Charles W Baker that was severely injured in the Silver Badge record, number 267 151 and discharged in December of 1917.
Pte. W Baker Worksop Guardian 3 November 1916 The little village of Blyth has lost another gallant son in Pte. W. Baker, Nott’s and Derby Regiment, who was killed in action on September 26th. He was the youngest son of Mrs. E.Baker, widow, and was well known and well liked in the village. He was the first man to enlist from Blyth, he joining the Army of his own accord in August, 1914. He went on active service on April 20th of the following year, and took part in the fighting at Gallipoli. He was twice wounded. Recovering he rejoined his regiment in France in June last. He had the happiness of spending Easter at Blyth, the first time he was destined to see his mother, and his old home. He was 23 years of age-a brave lad, a dutiful son, and a Gallant soldier. His brother, Pte. C.W. Baker was wounded at Ypres in 1917, and is still crippled. Mrs Baker has two sons-in-law serving with the colours- Gunner H, Hopkinson, now in France, and Pte. J, Starsmore, still in England. The sympathy of the parishioners is expressed with her and her family in their bereavement.
Willie is named on the Thiepval Memorial. Research by Colin Dannatt
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