Geoffrey Baker (British Army officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Geoffrey Baker
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General Sir Geoffrey Baker in 1968
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| Born | 20 June 1912 Murree, British India |
| Died | 8 May 1980 (aged 67) Wellington College, Berkshire, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1932–1971 |
| Rank | Field Marshal |
| Service number | 50806 |
| Unit | Royal Artillery |
| Commands held | Chief of the General Staff Southern Command 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery 127th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery |
| Battles/wars | Second World War Cyprus Emergency The Troubles |
| Awards | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George Commander of the Order of the British Empire Military Cross Mentioned in Despatches (3) Legion of Merit (United States) |
| Other work | Constable of the Tower of London (1975–80) |
Field Marshal Sir Geoffrey Harding Baker (born June 20, 1912 – died May 8, 1980) was a very important leader in the British Army. He held the top job as Chief of the General Staff from 1968 to 1971. This role meant he was the professional head of the entire British Army.
Sir Geoffrey Baker served in many important events. He fought in the Second World War. Later, he helped lead the army's efforts in Cyprus during a time of trouble there. He also gave advice to the British Government about sending soldiers to Northern Ireland when problems started there.
Contents
Early Life and Military Beginnings
Geoffrey Baker was born in Murree, which was part of British India at the time. His father, Cecil Norris Baker, was also a Colonel in the army.
Geoffrey went to Wellington College for his education. After that, he studied at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. This academy trains future officers for the British Army.
On January 28, 1932, Geoffrey Baker officially joined the Royal Artillery. He became a lieutenant in 1935. Later that year, he was sent to Meerut in India for his military duties.
Serving in World War II
Sir Geoffrey Baker played a big part in the Second World War. In January 1940, he became a captain. He then worked as a staff officer in the Middle East.
He fought in the campaign in East Africa. During this time, he took part in the Battle of Keren. For his bravery there, he received the Military Cross award. He was also wounded three times during the war.
In July 1943, he became the Commanding Officer of the 127 Field Regiment RA. He led his regiment during the Allied invasion of Sicily. This was a major operation to take back Sicily from enemy forces.
Later, he joined the staff of the 21st Army Group. He was involved in the Normandy landings, also known as D-Day. This was a huge invasion that helped free Europe. He also fought in the campaign across North West Europe. For his service, he received the Commander of the Order of the British Empire and the Legion of Merit from the United States.
Important Roles After the War
After World War II, Geoffrey Baker continued his important work. He helped manage administrative services in Germany. In 1946, he became a major.
He later took command of the 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery. In 1955, he became the Director of Operations in Cyprus. He was the Chief of Staff for the campaign against a group called EOKA. This was during a period known as the Cyprus Emergency. For his work there, he received the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George.
In 1960, he became a major general. He was appointed Chief-of-Staff at Southern Command. He then became Chief of Staff at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in 1961. In this role, he helped plan for possible problems in Berlin. This was around the time the Berlin Wall was being built.
Leading the British Army
In 1963, Geoffrey Baker became the Vice Chief of the Imperial General Staff. He was promoted to lieutenant general. He then became the General Officer Commanding Southern Command in 1966.
In 1967, he was promoted to general. In 1968, he became the Chief of the General Staff. This was the highest professional position in the British Army.
In this role, he advised the British Government. He helped them decide about sending troops to Northern Ireland. This was at the beginning of the Troubles, a difficult time in Northern Ireland's history. He believed that the police's intelligence on the IRA was not good enough.
Sir Geoffrey Baker was promoted to field marshal on March 31, 1971. This is the highest rank in the British Army. He retired from the army on the same day.
Retirement and Later Life
Even after retiring from the army, Sir Geoffrey Baker continued to serve in other important roles. He became Colonel Commandant of the Royal Artillery. He also held the title of Master Gunner, St. James's Park.
From 1975, he was the Constable of the Tower of London. This is a historic and ceremonial role. He was also a governor for both Wellington College and Radley College.
Sir Geoffrey Baker passed away on May 8, 1980, at the age of 67. He died in a hospital after becoming ill at Wellington College.
Family Life
In 1946, Geoffrey Baker married Valerie Lockhart. They had three children: one daughter and two sons. Their daughter, Alix Baker, became a military artist.
Images for kids
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General Sir Geoffrey Baker in 1968
