Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.
Herbert Arthur Allan Baker was born on 23rd October 1893 in Dorking Surrey to porter and gardener Arthur and Mary (nee Douglass). He was baptised on 3rd December 1893 at St Martin’s church in Dorking. At the time of the baptism the family lived at 21 Falkland Road in Dorking and Herbert’s father Arthur was working as a groceries porter.
Herbert’s father Arthur was born in the 2nd quarter of 1868 in Dorking to journey man and miller Allen and Harriet. His mother Mary Ellen Douglass was born in the 4th quarter of 1872 in Runcorn, Cheshire to cooper and general dealer Thomas John and Mary. Arthur and Mary were married on 1st February 1893 at St Martin’s Church. At the time of the marriage Arthur was working as a porter and living in Dorking. His father Allen was already deceased. Mary was living at St Paul’s in Dorking. Her father Thomas was working as a general dealer.
Herbert Arthur Allan Baker had six brothers and sisters: Fred Douglass, Noel Charles, Jessie Ada, Eric Tom, Margaret Ellen and Cecil Wilfred.
During the 1901 Census, the family lived at 19 Mount Street in Dorking. Arthur was working as a gardener, his wife Mary was looking after their children.
At the time of the 1911 Census, the family still lived at 19 Mount Street and had a police constable boarding. Herbert was working as a footman to retired Army Captain Hugo William Reid Millais of Gordon Lodge, Wood Street, Ryde on the Isle of Wight. Mr Millais was married to Anna Elena Millais of Vladivostok in Russia.
Herbert enlisted in Newport, Island of Wight. At the time of enlistment he lived in Dorking. He joined the 1/8th (T.F.) Battalion of the Hampshire Regiment. He became a Rifleman with a regimental number 2472.
ROLL OF HONOUR
RIFLEMAN H. A. BAKER
Hants Regiment
Rifleman Baker, who was reported missing in August 1915, in connection with the operations at Gallipoli, has now been officially reported killed. The son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Baker of 19 Mount Street. joined up in June last year, up to which he was in service as a footman. He has two brothers in the Forces.
Herbert Baker – Death Notice – 14 August 1916 – Dorking Advertiser
On 10th August 1915 Herbert disembarked in the Balkan Theatre of War. Two days later, on 12th August 1915, he was reported missing in Gallipoli. By August 1916 he was officially reported to have died on that day.
Herbert Arthur Allan Baker is commemorated on the Helles Memorial in Gallipoli, Turkey on Panels 125-134 or 223-226, 228-229 & 328.
He is also commemorated on the Dorking South Street Memorial and St Martin’s Church Memorial.
Herbert was awarded the British War and Victory Medals and the 1915 Star.
His mother Mary received £2, 5s and 9d on the 28th of October 1916 and £3 on the 6th of September 1919 in Soldier’s Effects.
| Born | Dorking, Surrey | |
| Lived | Dorking, Surrey | |
| Son of | Arthur Daniel and Mary Ellen Baker | |
| Regiment | 1st/8th Battalion. Hampshire Regiment | |
| Number | 8/2472 | |
| Date of Death | 10th August 1915 | |
| Place of Death | Gallipoli | |
| Cause of Death | Killed in action | |
| Age | 32 | |
| Memorial | Helles Memorial, Turkey |
