Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A good Second War 1943 ‘North Africa’ M.M. group of six awarded to Lance-Bombardier S. Baker, Royal Artillery, for gallantry in manning an anti-aircraft gun under sustained enemy fire from low flying enemy dive bomb attacks, for which action he was originally recommended for the D.C.M.

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (1796459 L. Bmbr. S. Baker. R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 1st Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, nearly extremely fine (6) £1000-1400

M.M. London Gazette 23 September 1943.

The Recommendation, originally for a D.C.M., states: ‘On 4th March 1943 Lance-Bombardier Baker was one of the detachment of a light anti-aircraft gun moving by day in a convoy near Djebel Abiod. The convoy was attacked by low flying aircraft on many occasions during which the Sergeant, Bombardier, and three Gunners were wounded. Lance-Bombardier Baker at once took charge and manned the gun with the two remaining gunners. He kept the gun in action in the face of several more low flying and dive bombing attacks both during the move and on arrival in harbour. He showed exceptional courage under fire and by his example encouraged his detachment and assisted greatly in preventing several attacks from causing further casualties to the convoy.’

Sidney Baker enlisted at Pontypridd, Wales, and served during the Second World War with 51 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery, in North Africa and Italy.