Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Lewis George Baker a domestic coachman and servant, born 1851 in Shottisham, Suffolk and his wife Anna Maria Baker (nee Playford, married on the 3rd March 1878 in the Westminster, Middlesex district), born 1856 in Beccles, Suffolk. Herbert was born 16th March 1891 in Atherstone, Warwickshire, his siblings were Lewis George, born in the 1st quarter of 1877, Rose Ellen, born in the 4th quarter of 1879, William John, born 4th August 1881 and Amy Edith, born 6th October 1882 the latter four siblings were all born in St. George's, Middlesex and Beatrice Maude, born 20th July 1886 in Brighton, Sussex, in April 1891 the family home was at Oakfield Cottages, Long Street, Atherstone. In March 1901 Herbert was residing in the family home at Leicester Road, Kirby Bellars, Leicestershire, together with his father, a stud groom, his mother and sister Maude. In April 1911 Herbert was absent from the family home at Leicester Road, Kirby Bellars, residing there was his father, a groom and his mother, Herbert was employed as a groom and was residing at The Lodge, Kirby Cottage, Kirby Bellars.
Herbert was awarded the British War and Victory medals.
On Friday October 12th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR” – MELTON SOLDIER’S KILLED. Mr and Mrs L. G. Baker, 27, Clumber Street, Melton Mowbray, and formerly of Kirby Bellars, have received a notification from the Infantry Record Office, Shrewsbury, that their youngest son, Pte. H. Baker, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, died of wounds at the 61st Casualty Clearing Station on September 27th. They have also had a letter from Pte. R. H. Mailes stating that Harry was wounded in the head on the 26th September, he being close to him when he was hit. His wounds were dressed and after a little while he came round, and called him by name. After being attended to at the dressing station he was placed on an ambulance, and from that day he had heard nothing more of him. Deceased who was 27 years of age, had been in the Leicestershire Yeomanry for some time, and when the war broke out he joined the Shropshire Yeomanry, being afterwards transferred to the Infantry. Twelve months last Christmas he was sent back to England suffering from trench fever, and underwent an operation for his ear in Edinburgh Hospital, returning to the front six months later. He was at one time employed at Colonel Laycock’s stables at Melton and Mr Fenwick’s at Gaddesby, afterwards going to The Grove, Craven Arms, Shropshire.
On Friday September 27th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – IN MEMORIAM. BAKER. – In loving memory of Herbert Baker (Bert), son of Mr. and Mrs. L. Baker, of 27, Clumber-st., Melton Mowbray, who was killed in action 27th Sept. 1917.
He sleeps in a hallowed grave unknown.
And his name is written in letters of love.
On hearts that are left at home.
From his Father, Mother and Brother Will in France.
On Friday October 4th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – IN MEMORIAM. BAKER. – In ever loving memory of our dear son and brother, Pte. H. Baker (Bert), died of wounds in France, Sept. 27th, 1917.
Could we have raised his dying head.
Or heard his last farewell.
The grief would not have been so great.
For us who loved him well.
From Father, Mother, Sisters, and Brother Will in France.