William Baker
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
William was born in 1891 and was the son of William a dairyman and Martha Sills Baker née Furmidge of 6 Newdigate Villas, Newdigate Street, Nottingham, late of Albert Grove. His father William (senior) was born in 1864 in Nottingham, his mother Martha Sills Furmidge was born in 1864 in Thornton, they were married in Nottingham in 1887 and went on to have 4 children, all born in Nottingham , they were James b188, William b1891 Clifford b1892, Annie b1893. In the 1911 census the family are living at 1 Newdigate Street, Nottingham and are shown as James 47 yrs head of the family a dairyman, he is living with his wife Martha 47 yrs and their children William 20 yrs a chauffeur, Clifford 19 yrs a dairyman and Annie 18 yrs a lady clerk. His eldest son, James has left the family home , he is now married and is living at 155 Hartley Road, Nottingham, he is shown as being 23 yrs an electrician, head of the family living with his wife Lucy 22 yrs (born Nottm) and their son Cyril 5 months
Private William Baker enlisted in Nottingham and served with the 23rd (Sportsman) battalion Royal Fusilier, he landed in France on 16th November 1915, he was killed in action on 17th February and is buried in Serre Road Cemetery No 1 (grave ref IV.E.10).
The operation was described in the regimental history. “An attack on the German trenches was made on February 17. Unluckily a day before the attack the frost gave way, a very rapid thaw set in, making No Man's Land deep and heavy with slush and mud. Moving to the attack over such ground was terrible; the objective line was reached, but the following casualties were sustained [227, including eight officers killed, one missing and 30 other ranks killed and a further 32 missing].” Record in 'War Obituaries', All Saints Church News, April 1917: 'William Baker, 6 Newdigate Villas, Royal Fusiliers, killed in action February 1917.' Nottingham Post obituary (abridged) 8 March 1917. BAKER Pte W Baker, Royal Fusiliers, son of Mr and Mrs W Baker, Newdigate Villas, (late Albert Grove) killed in action February 11th (sic), mother, father, Bert, Arthur in France. Nottingham Post obituary (abridged) 23 March 1917: Private W Baker (Royal Fusiliers) Newdigate Villas, Newdigate Street, killed in action February 17th. In memoriam published 16th February 1918 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- BAKER. – In ever-loving memory of our dear son, Pte. W. Baker, reported killed in action February 17th, 1917. Dearly loved. – Mother, father, brothers, Arthur in France, Bert in Italy. “BAKER. – In ever-loving memory of Pte. W. Baker (Billy), reported killed in action February 17th, 1917. Ever in my thoughts. – Fiancée Cissie. “BAKER. – In loving memory of Billy, who was killed in action February 17th, 1917. Never forgotten. – Jack.” Above are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Tow Great War Hucknall 1914-1918.
