Baker, Thomas James
No.623 – Private Thomas James Baker – 44th Battalion AIF
Thomas James Baker was born in Fremantle in 1895 to Thomas and Hannah Baker. He had several siblings with Elizabeth (born 1899), Albert (1901), Ernest (1903), Ethel (1905) and Hilda (1909). The family lived in Forrest Road Hamilton Hill and Tom was educated at White Gum Valley primary school. He had an interest in the military from a young age after serving in the Cadets and the 86th Infantry. He was working as a Casing Shiner when he enlisted into the AIF on the 10th January 1916.
After being accepted into the AIF he was medically examined at Claremont Showgrounds Camp. He was found to be 5 feet 4 & ½ inches in height, weight of 118 lbs; fresh complexion, brown hair and brown eyes. His religious denomination was Church of England.
Thomas was allotted to C Company of the newly forming 44th Battalion. He trained with this unit in WA until June 1916, when they embarked for service overseas. His ship, the A29 “Suevic”, reached Plymouth England on the 21st July 1916.
He trained at Salisbury Plain until November 1916 when the 3rd Division was sent to France. He had also been given leave during these months of training to see the sights of England.
On the 25th November 1916, the 44th Battalion left Southampton for France. After their arrival the 44th Battalion was sent to the trenches in the vicinity of Armentieres. They spent Christmas of 1916 in the trenches and brought in the new year of 1917 in the snow-covered trenches.
On the 28th January 1917, Thomas Baker was killed by German shellfire.
His body was recovered, and he was buried at Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery.
His parents in Hamilton Hill received his personal effects and medals.
Many memoriam notices were put in the state papers from friends and relatives;
His Country's call he answered,
The dear old flag to save,
And for the dear old Homeland,
His dear young life he gave