Brian Edmund Baker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brian Edmund Baker
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Air Vice-Marshal Baker, first from left, at RAF Coastal Command, Northwood, World War II
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| Born | 31 August 1896 Hertford, Hertfordshire |
| Died | 8 October 1979 (aged 83) RAF Hospital Nocton Hall, Lincolnshire |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1915–1950 |
| Rank | Air Marshal |
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| Commands held |
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| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
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Air Marshal Sir Brian Edmund Baker (31 August 1896 – 8 October 1979) was a brave officer in the Royal Air Force. He fought in both World War I and World War II. During World War I, he was known as a flying ace. This means he was a pilot who shot down or helped shoot down many enemy aircraft. He was credited with 12 victories, working with his gunners.
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Brian Baker's Early Life and Military Start
Brian Baker went to Haileybury College from 1910 to 1914. This was a school that prepared young men for military careers.
Joining the Army and Learning to Fly
In January 1915, Brian joined the British Army as a second lieutenant in the Rifle Brigade. This was during the early part of World War I.
Just a few months later, in August 1915, he moved to the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force before it became the Royal Air Force. He quickly learned to fly and got his pilot's license in October 1915. By December, he was a flying officer. Even with only 12 hours of flying experience, he was sent to France to join No. 13 Squadron. There, he flew BE.2 aircraft.
Becoming a Flying Ace in World War I
In February 1917, Brian became a flight commander in the new No. 48 Squadron. He flew the Bristol F.2B, a more advanced plane. Between June and November 1917, he achieved 12 victories against enemy aircraft. He helped capture one plane, destroyed four (one shared), and forced seven others "out of control" (one shared). This made him a highly successful pilot.
In July 1918, he was put in charge of No. 141 Squadron at RAF Biggin Hill. He was promoted to the temporary rank of major.
Brian Baker's Career Between the Wars
After World War I ended, Brian Baker stayed in the Royal Air Force. He became a flying instructor at the School of Technical Training. In December 1921, he was sent to Egypt to teach at No. 4 Flying Training School.
He later worked in the training department and then commanded the Aden Flight in February 1924. He returned to No. 4 FTS as an instructor and commander. In July 1925, he was promoted to squadron leader.
Brian also led the Experimental Section at the Royal Aircraft Establishment in March 1926. This is where new aircraft and technologies were tested. In December 1929, he took command of No. 32 Squadron at Biggin Hill. He was promoted to wing commander in December 1932 and became the chief flying instructor at RAF Leuchars.
He even served on aircraft carriers, including HMS Eagle and HMS Courageous. In April 1937, he became the station commander at RAF Gosport, and then at Leuchars in September 1938.
Brian Baker's Role in World War II
When World War II began, Brian Baker continued to serve. In May 1940, he became the Air Officer Commanding No. 51 Group, which was part of the RAF's training command. He was promoted to temporary air commodore in September.
He then commanded AHQ Iceland starting in 1941. From July 1942, he led No. 16 Group. He was promoted to air vice marshal in December 1942. In July 1943, he moved to command No. 19 (Reconnaissance) Group within RAF Coastal Command. This group was important for finding enemy ships and submarines. He also commanded Air Headquarters East Africa from January to June 1945.
After the war, he became the Deputy Air Commander-in-Chief for the RAF in the Mediterranean and Middle East.
Post-War Career and Retirement
In July 1947, Brian Baker was promoted to air marshal, a very high rank. In September 1947, he became the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of RAF Transport Command. This command was responsible for moving troops and supplies by air. He held this important position until he retired from the RAF in May 1950.
Brian Baker passed away on 8 October 1979, at RAF Hospital Nocton Hall in Lincolnshire, England.
Honours and Awards for Brian Baker
Brian Baker received many awards for his bravery and service:
Military Cross (1917): Awarded for his outstanding bravery and skill in leading patrols and shooting down enemy planes.
Distinguished Service Order (1918): Given for his great leadership and courage, especially for bringing down many enemy machines.
Croix de Guerre (France, 1918): A French military award for bravery.
Air Force Cross (1919): Awarded for "exemplary gallantry while flying".
Companion of the Order of the Bath (1943): A high British honour.
Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (1944): Awarded for his important services during the operations in Normandy.
Commander with Star of the Order of Polonia Restituta (Poland, 1945): A Polish award for outstanding service.
Grand Officer of Order of the White Lion (Czechoslovakia, 1946): A high honour from Czechoslovakia.
War Cross (Czechoslovakia, 1946): Another Czech award for military service.
Legion of Merit (United States, 1949): An American military award for exceptional service.
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Brian Baker's Love for Cricket
Beyond his military career, Brian Baker was also a very good cricketer. He played for his school, Haileybury College, and for Hertfordshire.
He also played for the Royal Air Force cricket team many times between 1925 and 1932. Eight of these games were at a high level called first-class. He was even the captain of the RAF team from 1928 to 1930. Besides cricket, he was also a member of the RAF hockey team in 1927.
