Joseph Albert Baker

Rank:

Private

Regimental number:

270242

Unit at enlistment:

215th Battalion

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Yes

Commemorated at:

Colborne Street Methodist Church

Birth country:

Canada

Birth county:

Brant

Birth city:

Brantford, Ontario

Address at enlistment:

94 Nelson Street, Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

94 Nelson Street, Brantford, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Banker

Employer:

Standard Bank

Religious denominations:

Methodist

Marital status:

Single

Age at enlistment:

Letters and documents

BX November 16, 1917

Word was received in the city this morning that Flight Lieutenant Joseph Albert Baker, Royal Flying Corps, was dangerously ill, with a fracture of the base of the skull. He was in the 215th Battalion but transferred to the C.O.T.C. and later joined the R.F.C. He had been in France for a month, and had been over the Hun lines, and it is thought that he was injured in a “crash” of his plane.

BX March 16, 1916

Returns From Old Land to Enlist – Joseph Albert Baker, Munitions Worker, Coming Back to Fight

Many stories have been written since the outbreak of war on long trips that Canadians have made to serve their country by enlisting, but an old Brantford boy, Joseph Albert Baker, is shortly to cross the Atlantic Ocean to enlist here with the 215th Battalion.

For three months young Baker, who is only 19 years of age, has been in England, where he was working in a munitions factory. The fever, however, to do his share with other Canadians got into his blood and every letter home to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Baker – who resides on Nelson Street here, mentioned this desire.

Recently after hearing of the formation of the 215th Battalion he cabled home immediately asking for the permission of his father to return to enlist. So anxious was he to come that he offered to make the trip in steerage.

His father cabled back his permission for his return and informed Lieut.-Col. Cockshutt of his son’s wish, and now the officers of the battalion are anxiously awaiting the arrival of one who would come over 3000 miles to enlist with them.

It is expected that it will be four or five weeks before Baker will be able to leave England. The reason advanced by the boy’s father here why he did not join some of the British regiments was because he was a Canadian and wanted to be amongst his friends.

Before going to England Mr. Baker was employed on the staff of the Standard Bank here. He is well known throughout the city, having been educated here.

BX April 28, 1916

Importunities of the Recruiter

A few days ago Joseph A. Baker, son of J.E. Baker of 94 Nelson Street, returned from England to join the 215th Battalion. With his signing up he does not yet appear to be free from the importunities of the recruiters. Yesterday afternoon he was proceeding down town when he was surrounded by a squad of men from the 215th and requested to give his reasons for not being in the prevailing style – khaki. “You are not nearly as patriotic as the fellow that came back from England to join us,” called out one of the quota, little dreaming they had stopped the recruit in question.

Mr. Baker has been working in a munitions factory in England, but so great was his desire to fight that he made the journey of 3,000 miles to sign up with the 215th Battalion. His example will undoubtedly be an incentive to many, as the recruiting officers are making use of the story. It will be a little time before he will report for duty, as he underwent an operation prior to his return.

The women are taking an active part in the 215th campaign. One was heard on Dalhousie Street this morning telling a 215th man that she could give him the names of three or four eligible’s in her neighborhood.

BX December 3, 1916

Are Candidates for Flying Corps

Three Brantford men – J.A. Baker, S.E. Buck, W.H. Fair – who were recently transferred from the 215th Battalion to the Canadian officers training corps, are candidates for commissions in the Royal Flying Corps. It was announced today by Lieutenant Colonel W.R. Lang, of the general staff that the three Brantford men and one other were candidates for the flying corps and would be interviewed upon arrival in England by Captain Lord Alastair Innes-Ker. If not accepted by the flying corps it is expected that Messrs Buck and Fair will go to the infantry. It is probable these officers will proceed to England in the near future.

BX January 16, 1917

To Enter Flying Corps

Three local young men, Joseph Baker, William Henry Fair and Stanley Buck, who have been accepted for the flying service, are severing their connection with the 215th Battalion and expect to leave shortly for England to enter training in the Imperial Aerial service. All three are qualified infantry lieutenants who had not been granted commissions.