Name
Herbert (James) Arthur Baker
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
08/10/1917
21
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Driver
102916
Royal Field Artillery
3rd Division Ammunition Column
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 /15 Star, British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
LIJSSENTHOEK MILITARY CEMETERY
Plot XXI, Row D, Grave 12A.
Belgium
UK & Other Memorials
Watford Borough Roll of Honour,
St Mary's Parish Church Memorial, Watford
Pre War
Son of George and Henrietta (formerly SARGENT?, nee PAGE) BAKER of Watford.
His parents possibly married 1891 in the Battle, Sussex, district. Henrietta died 1932 in Watford aged 71, and was buried 5 December in Vicarage Road Cemetery, Watford; George died 1936 in Watford aged 73, and was buried 24 June, also in Vicarage Road Cemetery.
Herbert James was born 26 November 1895 in the Chesterton, Cambs, district [not Watford]. He attended Victoria Junior School, Watford; then Beechen Grove Board School, Watford, from 10 January 1905 to 22 December 1908.
On the 1901 Census, aged 5 he lived in Watford, with his parents and five siblings. On the 1911 Census, a paper sorter aged 15, he still lived in Watford, with his parents and five siblings.
Wartime Service
He enlisted in Watford; was entitled to the Victory, British War and 1914-15 Star medals, his qualifying date being 29 August 1915, and was killed in action.
Additional Information
Unfortunately, James’ Service Record appears to be one that did not survive the World War Two bombing.
Herbert is possibly the J BAKER commemorated in the Borough Roll of Honour, and the James BAKER commemorated at St Mary's.
Acknowledgments
Sue Carter (Research) and Watford Museum (ROH on line via www.ourwatfordhistory.org.uk)
