Private James Sidney Lewis Baker
Service #: 731
Summary
FAMILY LIFE
Born on 20th October 1890 at Maclean, James Sidney Lewis Baker was the eldest of 4 sons of George and Hannah Elizabeth (Boucher) Baker. James’s parents were married in 1888 and throughout their married life several children were born in and around the Lower Clarence. From these birthplaces it is inferred that George left the family property and struck out on his own taking work where he could. The Clarence River Advocate, dated Tuesday 8 Nov 1898 stated that George was struck by a falling tree at Terranora and sustained injuries to the spine and three broken ribs. He was treated at Lismore then underwent six years of hospitalisation at Rookwood and Liverpool State hospitals in Sydney before dying on 2 Feb 1904, aged 43 years, and 11 months, and leaving a widow and several children to mourn his loss. His mother married Karl Hein in Murwillumbah in 1913. James’ brothers Hedley & John also enlisted in WWI, Hedley enlisting 3 weeks previously on 1st February
APPLICATION
On 22nd February 1916, James travelled to Brisbane to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his mother, Hannah. He was single labourer, eager to do his bit. He had been rejected for enlistment before because of his varicose veins. His medical showed he was 25 years 4 months old, 5ft 8 inches tall (1.72m), weighed 140 lbs (33kgs), with a dark complexion, brown eyes & black hair. His eyesight was good and he required dental treatment. James was Methodist. He was enlisted as a private into the 3rd pioneer Battalion C Coy, the same as his brothers, with service No 731
3RD PIONEER BATTALION
The 3rd Pioneer Battalion was an Australian infantry and light engineer unit raised during World War I as part of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). Formed in March 1916 in Victoria, it was assigned to the 3rd Division and served on the Western Front in France and Belgium. Pioneer battalions were unique in that they combined infantry combat skills with light engineering capabilities, such as constructing trenches, defensive positions, and maintaining roads and railways. The 3rd Pioneer Battalion's legacy is marked by its versatility and dedication
AUSTRALIAN TRAINING CAMP
Now training for James and the new recruits began. Firstly, the men received their vaccinations for smallpox, rabies & plague, then a recruit had to be inducted into military forms of discipline, command, and order. This was partially achieved through a program of basic training carried and, in a sense, was maintained for a long as a man was in the service. It involved marching and drilling with the rifle, cleaning and caring for personal equipment and being supervised and inspected in ways quite different to ordinary civilian life. For example, no boots should be allowed to get in a bad state of wear but must be sent to the bootmaker without delay for repair. Men who were found with hair long and unshaven had to have a haircut and shave
Secondly, after basic training there followed the far more serious exercise of turning a man into a fighting soldier at least partially prepared for the kind of warfare he was about to experience overseas. The topics and exercises in the syllabus of training were a world away from their former lives and included daily physical training, entrenching, wiring, firing rifle grenades, firing the Lewis light machine gun, dealing with gas attack, using hand grenades, using the bayonet, and the routines to be followed in the trenches.
This training was then put into practice during what were called ‘Field Days,’ when men would practice using the skills they had acquired in mock attacks both by day and by night. How well men had learnt to use their weapons, in cooperation with each other in training, would be tested in the harsh reality of the front line. Training would take several months
VOYAGE OVERSEAS
Jame & his unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A62 Wandilla on 6 June 1916. They thought it was the start of a new adventure- for many it was their first time so far away from home. However, after some time at sea the biggest problem turned out to be boredom. Attempts at breaking up the boredom, apart from the regular drill, varied. Shipboard activities included regular church parades and concerts. Troops engaged in lifebelt drill; a cookhouse on deck; soldiers on fatigues peeling potatoes 'spud bashing'; going to the dentist; barber, pay day; soldiers cleaning personal equipment; medical inspection. Sports and recreation included boxing, deck quoits, draughts. Also, the commanding officer's morning inspection; kit inspections; submarine drill; recreation such as the on deck 'open air' library, deck billiards, pillow fighting and card games including Nap. As well, conditions on the ships were cramped and the risk of illness was constant.
DISCIPLINED- ADMONISHED
While docked in Cape Town, South Africa, James & Hedley went absent without leave on 3rd July 1916 for which they were admonished & forfeited 1 day’s pay each.
ENGLISH TRAINING CAMP
They disembarked at Plymouth on 26th July 1917 and marched into the English training camp. They had already completed their basic training in Australia but over many more tough months, in the camp, the volunteers left their old lives farther behind. They began their training with physical fitness exercises, they were taught individual and unit discipline, how to follow commands, how to march, some basic field skills and how to safely handle his weapons. Later, as soldiers specialised in a particular area (for example, machine gunner or signaller) they would be trained in specific skills and would take part in practice manoeuvres and sham fights. They would spend many hours learning training in the use of bayonets, anti- gas training and guard duty along with lectures on camouflage or trench warfare and much more
TAKEN ON STRENGTH 24TH NOVEMBER 1916
Hedley, Leslie & James were taken on strength on 24th November 1916 in France. Between November 1916 and May 1917, the 3rd Pioneer Battalion was actively engaged on the Western Front. They undertook various tasks combining infantry and light combat engineering roles. These included constructing defensive positions, digging trenches, maintaining roads, and preparing barbed wire defences. They were also involved in battlefield clearance and supporting infantry operations
HOSPITALISED- MUMPS 2ND JANUARY 1917
James was admitted to 7th General Hospital in St Omer with mumps. Mumps was, and is, a contagious viral illness, easily spread among the soldiers. It can cause fever, swelling of the salivary glands and inflammation in other parts of the body. Soldiers would have suffered fever, headaches, tiredness, body aches & poor appetite. There is no specific treatment for mumps. Instead, treatment focuses on symptom relief. Treatment would have included plenty of rest, lots of fluids, using a warm or cool compress to relieve facial pain and swelling & eating foods that do not need a lot of chewing. He rejoined his unit on 24th January 1917
THE BATTLE OF MESSINES JUNE 1917
By June the 3rd was fighting in Belgium, leading up to the Battle of Messines. The primary objective was to secure the strategically important Wytschaete Messines Ridge, the high ground south of Ypres which in turn would benefit the allies to launch a larger campaign east of Ypres. The Australian involvement came under Lieutenant General Sir. Alexander Godley’s II Anzac Corps, which included the 3rd Australian Division. This Battle was launched on 7 Jun 1917 and exemplified tactical success through careful planning and firepower.
The 3rd Pioneer Battalion played a significant role in the Battle. As part of the Australian Imperial Force's 3rd Division, they were tasked with essential engineering and support duties. Their responsibilities included digging trenches, constructing defensive positions, maintaining roads, and ensuring the supply of water and other resources to the front lines
The Battle of Messines was a meticulously planned operation aimed at capturing the Messines Ridge in Belgium. The 3rd Pioneer Battalion's efforts were crucial in supporting the attacking infantry by enhancing mobility and fortifications.
THIRD BATTLE OF YPRES JULY TO NOVEMBER 1917
The 3rd Pioneer Battalion was actively involved in the Third Battle of Ypres, also known as the Battle of Passchendaele, which took place between July and November 1917. This battle was one of the most gruelling campaigns of World War I, marked by heavy casualties and appalling conditions, including relentless rain and mud.
As part of their role, the 3rd Pioneer Battalion supported the Australian infantry divisions by constructing and maintaining trenches, roads, and other essential infrastructure. They were crucial in ensuring the mobility of troops and supplies, as well as fortifying defensive positions. Their work was particularly significant during key phases of the battle, such as the fighting at Polygon Wood and Broodseinde Ridge, where Australian forces achieved vital victories despite the challenging environment.
The Third Battle of Ypres is remembered for its immense human cost and the resilience of those who fought in it. The 3rd Pioneer Battalion's contributions exemplify the critical role of pioneer units in combining engineering expertise with combat support.
PROMOTED TO LANCE CORPORAL 24th NOVEMBER 1917
On 24th November 1917 James was promoted to Lance Corporal. BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1917 & MARCH 1918
Between September 1917 and March 1918, the 3rd Pioneer Battalion was stationed around Messines, Belgium, where they were primarily engaged in tramway system maintenance and providing reinforcements to engineering companies. Pioneer battalions were unique in that they combined infantry skills with light military engineering expertise, meaning they could both fight and construct essential battlefield infrastructure.
During this period, the battalion played a crucial role in supporting the Third Battle of Ypres and preparing defensive positions for the German Spring Offensive. Their work included building roads, maintaining supply lines, and fortifying trenches, ensuring mobility for Allied forces while restricting enemy movement
PROMOTED TO TEMPORARY CORPORAL 11TH DECEMBER 1917
On 11th December he was promoted to temporary Corporal.
LEAVE IN ENGLAND JANUARY 1918
He was given leave in England from 12th January 1918 and rejoined the unit on 27th January 1918
JANUARY TO MARCH 1918
Between January and March 1918, the 3rd Pioneer Battalion was engaged in engineering and combat support on the Western Front. As a pioneer battalion, their role was a mix of infantry and light military engineering, meaning they worked on trenches, roads, and fortifications while also being ready to fight alongside regular infantry when needed.
During this period, they were stationed around Messines, where they were responsible for maintaining tramway systems, supplying labour for engineering tasks, and reinforcing defensive positions. Their work was crucial in keeping supply lines open and ensuring mobility for troops as the war continued into its final phases
PROMOTED TO CORPORAL 10th MARCH 1918
On 10th March 1918 James was promoted to Corporal
GERMAN SPRING OFFENSIVE MARCH TO JULY 1918
During the German Spring Offensive of 1918, the 3rd Pioneer Battalion played a crucial role in supporting the Australian forces on the Western Front. This offensive, also known as the Kaiserschlacht, was a series of German attacks aimed at breaking through Allied lines before American reinforcements could fully arrive.
The 3rd Pioneer Battalion's tasks included constructing defensive positions, maintaining roads, and fortifying trenches to resist the German advance. They also assisted in battlefield clearance and provided engineering support to ensure the mobility of troops and supplies. Their efforts were instrumental in halting the German tide and stabilizing the front lines during this critical phase of the war.
The Spring Offensive marked one of the most intense periods of combat for the battalion, showcasing their dual capabilities as both engineers and infantry. Their resilience and adaptability were key to the Allied defence during this challenging time
THE BATTLE OF AMEINS AUGUST 1918
The 3rd Pioneer Battalion played a vital role in the Battle of Amiens, which began on 8 August 1918. This battle marked the start of the Allied Hundred Days Offensive, a series of operations that ultimately led to the end of World War I. The 3rd Pioneer Battalion, as part of the Australian Imperial Force's 3rd Division, was heavily involved in supporting the offensive.
Their tasks included constructing and maintaining roads, trenches, and other infrastructure to ensure the smooth movement of troops, artillery, and supplies. They also worked on fortifications and battlefield clearance, which were critical to the success of the operation. The Battle of Amiens was a turning point in the war, with the Allies achieving a decisive victory and forcing the German forces into retreat.
The 3rd Pioneer Battalion's contributions exemplify the importance of pioneer units in combining engineering expertise with combat support. Their efforts during this battle were instrumental in the broader Allied strategy
THE HINDENBURG LINE SEPTEMBER 1918
The 3rd Pioneer Battalion played a significant role in the Crossing of the Hindenburg Line, which occurred during the final stages of World War I in late September 1918. This operation was part of the Allied Hundred Days Offensive, aimed at breaking through the formidable German defensive positions known as the Hindenburg Line.
As part of the Australian Imperial Force's 3rd Division, the 3rd Pioneer Battalion was tasked with essential engineering and support duties. They constructed and maintained roads, trenches, and other infrastructure to ensure the mobility of troops and supplies. Their work also included fortifications and battlefield clearance, which were critical to the success of the operation. The crossing of the Hindenburg Line marked a turning point in the war, leading to the eventual collapse of German resistance and the signing of the Armistice in November 1918.
The battalion's contributions during this operation highlight their dual capabilities as engineers and infantry, showcasing their adaptability and resilience in challenging conditions.
END OF WAR
The end of the war was in sight and on 11th November the fighting was officially over so he prepared to return to Australia. After the Armistice, the Australian Prime Minister Billy Hughes insisted Australian troops be repatriated (returned home) as quickly as possible. This logistical challenge was enormous with 135,000 troops brought home from Britain in 147 voyages, and 16,773 troops from the Middle East in 56 voyages, mostly on a first come, first go basis. There was a lack of suitable ships to transport personnel home and many had to wait many months before they were headed back to Australia.
LEAVE IN ENGLAND NOVEMBER 1918
James was given leave in England from 12th November 1918 to 30th November 1918. He now had to wait for a ship to take him home
GOING HOME
James returned to Australia 1 July 1919 on the Kon Luise, disembarking on 18th August 1919. He was discharged on 2nd October 1919
FOR HIS SERVICE
For his service, James was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal and his name is recorded on the Loyal Uki Lodge No. 262 Tweed River District M.U.I.O.O.F. Great War Honour Roll
HOME LIFE
James married Dora Bessie Murray in 1921 in Murwillumbah. Their son, Alan, was born in 1921, their daughter, Winifred, in 1923 and the youngest son, Gordon, in 1926. James died 2nd December 1973, aged 83, in Atherton, Qld. He is buried in the Atherton Rockley Road Cemetery
If you have any additional information about this individual, we invite you to email us at rsl@msmc.org.au.
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