Thomas David BAKER

Regimental number66
Place of birthSydney New South Wales
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationSoldier
AddressVictoria Barracks, Sydney, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation26
Next of kinMrs H Baker, 18 Denison Street, Newtown, New South Wales
Enlistment date29 August 1914
Rank on enlistmentDriver
Unit nameField Artillery Brigade 1, Battery 1
AWM Embarkation Roll number13/29/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board Transport A8 Argyllshire on 18 October 1914
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll1st Field Artillery Brigade
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


'Gallant act and promptness in extinguishing dangerous fire, saving valuable material and guns. (East of Ypres)'
Recommendation date: 25 October 1917

FateReturned to Australia 8 October 1918
Medals

Military Medal

'On 19th October 1917, when the 1st Battery was in action near POLYGON WOOD East of YPRES an enemy shell scored a direct hit on one of the guns and detonated ammunition alongside. This N.C.O. and Gunner with Sergeant Thornton at once ran up and extinguished the ammunition although the amount burning was considerable and the battery was still being heavily shelled (100 rounds were destroyed). By their courage and promptness a lot of ammunition was saved and several of the guns - which meant so much as this ammunition was only placed in Battery Position at great fatigue and risk to drivers and horses; and the saving of this ammunition kept the battery properly supplied and thereby in action.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 95
Date: 27 June 1918