Ernest Joseph Baker

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Tue, 29/09/2015 - 09:12

First Name:

Ernest

Middle Name:

Joseph

Last Name:

Baker

Date of Birth:

Monday, September 19, 1898

Mother's Name:

Lucy (nee Marsden)

Father's Name:

James William Baker

Date Enlisted:

Thursday, August 17, 1916

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Private

Unit:

13th Battalion

Company:

A Company

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Date of Death:

Thursday, February 3, 1966

Details:

Ernest Baker (Service No 6707) was a single 19 year old wheeler who had served in 37th Infantry when he enlisted. His father enlisted a few days later. He embarked on SS Port Nicholson with 22nd Reinforcements, 13th Battalion on 8th November 1916, his father was on the same ship. Two other brothers also enlisted.

He arrived in England on 10th January 1917 and joined A Company in France on 15th March 1917 where he met up with his brother Herbert. Ernest was involved in the fighting at Reincourt on 11th April 1917 and like Herbert was taken prisoner. He was interred at Dulmen and then taken to Parchim. He was repatriated to England on 30th December 1918 and returned to Australia in March 1919. Ernest was discharged on 2nd June 1919.

His father James William (Service No 6708) returned to Australia in December, 1917. His brother James (Service No 4449) was killed in France in November, 1916 and his brother Herbert (Service No 6212) returned to Australia in November 1918. This Bulli family made a big contribution to the war effort.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, BAKER E J