Nov 13, 1887

Born in Aldeburgh, Suffolk, England to Eli and Laura (nee Cable) Baker

Nov 22, 1913

Married to Margaret May Evans in Woodroffe, Ontario

Feb 24, 1916

Attested into the 154^th Battalion CEF in Ottawa, Ontario

Ø  Number 633575

Ø  Next of kin given as Mrs. May Baker, wife, Woodroffe, Ontario

Ø  Previous occupation given as Labourer

Ø  Previous military experience given as 2 years in the 72^nd Highlanders and the Governor General’s Foot Guard for 3 years

Ø  Religion given as Church of England

The battalion trained in the Barriefield Camp, Kingston, Ontario

Oct 25, 1916

Embarked the SS Mauretania in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Oct 31, 1916

Disembarked in Liverpool, England and the battalion proceeded to Bramshott to continue training

Jan 31, 1917

Transferred to the newly formed 6^th Reserve Battalion in East Sandling.  Shortly after, the battalion moved to Seaford to train reinforcements for the front

Apr 21, 1917

Transferred to the 21^st Battalion

Apr 22, 1917

Arrived at the CBD (Canadian Base Depot) in the Rouelles Camp, Havre, France and TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21^st Battalion

May 21, 1917

After leaving the base depot, Private Baker finally joined the 21^st Battalion as part of a draft of 149 reinforcements in the support trench near Thelus, France and was posted to “C” Company

Jul 4, 1917

On July 3^rd, the 21^st Battalion moved into billets in the town of Bouvigny-Boyeffles and began training for the attack on Hill 70.  During his off time in the billets, many of the men carved their names on walls in the town.  Private Baker carved his name on July 4, 1917 on a wall on Rue Constant Mahee near his billet.  Thanks to Patrice Machin’s ongoing research, we have a photo of his name on that wall

Aug 15, 1917

During the fierce fighting at Hill 70 near Lens, France, Private Baker received shrapnel wounds to his back and neck.  His left femur had also been fractured.  He was evacuated to the No. 4 CFA (Canadian Field Ambulance) for first aid before being transported to the No. 23 CCS (Casualty Clearing Station)

Aug 16, 1917

Transferred to the No. 22 General Hospital in Camiers, France

Aug 20, 1917

Invalided to England aboard the Hospital Ship Princess Elizabeth

On arrival in England, he was admitted to the Cambridge Military Hospital in Cambridge

Transferred to the EORD (Eastern Ontario Regimental Depot) for pay purposes while in hospital

Sep 5, 1917

X-Rays show small pieces of shrapnel and loose bone fragments present in his lower back

Sep 14, 1917

Transferred to the Canadian Convalescent Hospital in Bearwood, Wokingham

Sep 26, 1917

Transferred to the No. 1 Reading War Hospital where additional surgery was performed to drain the infected wound

Nov 3, 1917

Transferred to the Canadian Convalescent Hospital Woodcote Park, Epsom

Nov 8, 1917

Transferred to the Manor, County of London, War Hospital in Epsom

Nov 11, 1917

Transferred to the Canadian Convalescent Hospital in Epsom

Jan 4, 1918

Transferred to the Canadian Convalescent Hospital Woodcote Park, Epsom

Mar 8, 1918

Attached to the 3^rd CCD (Canadian Command Depot) for physical training and exercise

May 30, 1918

Medical exam notes that his back is still weak and painful when bending or walking, as well as pain in his groin.  Further treatment is required

Jun 7, 1918

Ceased to be attached to the command depot and transferred to the CAMC (Canadian Army Medical Corps) Depot in Shorncliffe

Jun 13, 1918

Transferred to the Military Convalescent Hospital in Epsom for light duty

Jun 18, 1919

Transferred to the Canadian Army Medical Corps Casualty Company in Witley

Jun 29, 1919

Transferred to “M” Wing in Witley pending return to Canada

Jul 12, 1919

Embarked the SS Royal George in Liverpool

Jul 20, 1919

Disembarked in Halifax, Nova Scotia and proceeded to Ottawa, Ontario

Jul 23, 1919

Discharged from the CEF in Ottawa, Ontario

Ø  Rank on discharge Private

Ø  War Service Badge Class “A” issued number 382151

Ø  Proposed residence on discharge Woodroffe, Ontario

Following his discharge, the British War Medal and Victory Medals were sent to him at New Orchard Ave., Ottawa, Ontario

Oct 12, 1968

Albert Victor Baker died in hospital in Ottawa and was buried in the Saint George’s Cemetery, Fitzroy, Ontario