Harold was the grandson of John Baker and related to Sergeant Frederick and Squadron Quarter-Master Sergeant Harry Baker.
Before the War, he had been at Gainsborough Grammar School, was keen on all sport, and was Captain of the Mixed Hockey Team.
He was an apprentice at Marshall, Sons and Co where he attended the Technical School and was expected to have a ‘promising career’ according to the local paper.
Harold enlisted with the 6th Lincolnshire Regiment in August 1914 and went to the Dardanelles in June 1915.
On the 27th of August 1915, the local paper reported that he been wounded during fighting at the Dardanelles. His mouth was wounded and he was progressing well. He was 21 years old.
Then on the 3rd of September, the paper reported he had succumbed to his injuries and died on the 18th August.
The following week came better news, with the paper reporting that his relatives had received a telegram from the Chaplain at the General Hospital in Alexandria saying he was alive.
One the 1st October 1915 he arrived back in the UK on the hospital ship; Asturias and he was then transferred to 2nd Western General Hospital in Manchester.
