Valentine Baker (pilot) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Valentine Henry Baker
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| Nickname(s) | Bake |
| Born | 24 August 1888 Llanfairfechan, Wales |
| Died | 12 September 1942 (aged 54) RAF Wing, Buckinghamshire, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Navy British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1914–1921 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Military Cross Air Force Cross |
| Relations | Denys Val Baker (son) |
| Other work | Flying instructor Founder of Martin-Baker Aircraft Co. Ltd. |
Valentine Henry Baker (born August 24, 1888 – died September 12, 1942) was a brave pilot and soldier. People called him "Bake." He served in all three parts of the British military during World War I. After the war, he became a flying teacher. He also helped start a famous airplane company called Martin-Baker. His son, Denys Val Baker, became a writer.
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Valentine Baker's Military Service
Valentine Baker was born in Llanfairfechan, Wales. He joined the Royal Navy on October 27, 1914. He became a mechanic and a despatch rider, delivering messages. He was part of the Royal Naval Air Service's armored car team.
A Bullet and a Brave Choice
Just five months later, during the Gallipoli campaign, Baker was hurt. A bullet hit his neck and got stuck near his spine. Doctors said removing it could be very dangerous. Baker bravely told them to "leave it alone." He lived the rest of his life with the bullet still in his neck.
He left the Royal Naval Air Service in August 1915. But he soon returned to the military. In November 1915, he joined the Royal Welch Fusiliers as a temporary officer.
Becoming a Pilot
In the spring of 1916, Baker got married. After that, he went to the School of Aero Flying. He learned to fly and became a pilot in September 1916. He then joined the Royal Flying Corps.
Baker flew with 41 Squadron for nine months. During this time, he was known for shooting down several German planes. He earned the Military Cross award on July 26, 1917. The award recognized his "greatest daring and determination." It also mentioned how he flew low over enemy lines, attacking soldiers and vehicles. He also brought back important information about the enemy.
Teaching Others to Fly
The Royal Flying Corps realized Baker was a great pilot. They decided his skills would be best used to train new pilots. In June 1917, he became a flight instructor. He taught at several airfields, including Turnberry and Catterick. During this time, his son was born. Baker was also promoted to captain.
On April 1, 1918, Baker joined the new Royal Air Force. This new force was a mix of the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service. He received the Air Force Cross in 1918. He was the first person listed to receive this medal.
Baker's last military job was in the Secret Codes Department. He worked there from May 1920 until he left the military on October 1, 1921. He was allowed to keep his rank of captain.
Life After the Military
After leaving the military, Baker worked for a company called Vickers Limited. This job took him to the Dutch East Indies. There, he taught pilots for the Netherlands Naval Aviation Service for three years.
He returned to England when his wife became ill. Soon after, he took another job with Vickers. This time, he went to Chile. He showed off the company's airplanes and trained Chilean pilots.
A Famous Flying Instructor
When Baker came back to England, he saw that many people wanted to learn to fly. He started teaching at different flying clubs. Eventually, he founded an air school at Heston Aerodrome. This school became the most famous flight school in the United Kingdom.
During his time as an instructor, Baker taught many well-known people. These included Edward, Prince of Wales, Amy Johnson (a famous female pilot), and Prince George, Duke of Kent.
Founding Martin-Baker
In 1934, Baker left Heston to work with his friend, James Martin. Together, they started the Martin-Baker Aircraft Company. Baker became the company's test pilot.
A Tragic Accident
On September 12, 1942, Baker was testing a new plane called the Martin-Baker MB 3. The engine stopped working, and he had to make an emergency landing. The plane hit a hay pile and crashed. Sadly, Valentine Baker was killed in the accident.
The crash site was found in December 2020 near Stewkley, Buckinghamshire. A memorial has been created there to remember him. There is also a memorial to Valentine near the main runway of RAF Wing.
Baker's death deeply affected his friend James Martin. Because of this tragedy, Martin decided to focus on pilot safety. This led the company to become famous for making ejection seats, which help pilots escape from crashing planes.
