FAMILY LIFE

Born on 20^th April, 1893 at Palmer Island, Clarence Valley, Hedley Cecil Horace Baker was one of 4 sons of George and Hannah Elizabeth (Boucher) Baker. Hedley’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. Hedley’s brother, Leslie enlisted on the same day & James only 3 weeks later, on 22^nd February.

APPPPLICATION

Hedley was single farmer, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Brisbane on 1^st February 1916 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his mother, Hannah, of Tweed Heads. His medical showed he was 22 years 7 months old, 5ft 10 ½ inches tall (1.8m), weighed 146 lbs (66kgs), with a dark complexion, brown eyes & black hair. His eyesight was good. Hedley was Church of England.  He was enlisted as a private into the 3rd Pioneer Battalion, C Company, the same as his brothers, with service No 733

3^RD 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 Hedley, James, Leslie & 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

Hedley, James, Leslie & their 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, Hedley, Leslie & James went absent without leave on 3^rd July 1916 for which they admonished & forfeited 1 day’s pay each

ENGLISH TRAINING CAMP

They disembarked at Plymouth on 26^th 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 24^TH NOVEMBER 1916

Hedley, Leslie & James were taken on strength on 24^th 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, 20TH JANUARY 1917- ENTERITIS

On 20^th January 1917 he was admitted to the 10^th Field Ambulance with enteritis. (A Field Ambulance was a mobile front line medical unit (it was not a vehicle), manned by troops of the Royal Army Medical Corps.) Enteritis is inflammation of the small intestine, often caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, or reduced blood flow. It can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever

It was often caused by poor sanitation, contaminated water, and malnutrition. It was commonly linked to dysentery, which was a major health issue for soldiers. Soldiers were given water purified with chloride of lime to prevent dehydration. Bland diets were used to ease symptoms, though food shortages made proper nutrition difficult. Antibiotics were not yet available, so treatment relied on basic antiseptics and pain relief. Hedley only had a mild case and rejoined his unit on 22^nd January.

NOVEMBER 1916 TO MAY 1917

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

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.

WOUNDED IN ACTION- BATTLE OF MESSINES 27^TH JUNE 1917

On 27th June 1917, the 3rd Pioneer Battalion was engaged in operations near Ploegsteert, Belgium. This was during the Battle of Messines, a significant Allied offensive aimed at securing high ground in Flanders. The battalion was responsible for engineering tasks, including trench construction, fortifications, and maintaining supply routes to support frontline troops. Hedley was wounded in action on 27^th June 1917, with a gunshot wound to the left knee & shoulder and returned to his unit on 28^th August 1917

CONVALESENCE

On 30^th June 1917 he was transferred to a convalescent camp. Here he would convalesce but continue with drilling & training as the technology and techniques were rapidly changing and soldiers had to be up to date when they were ready to rejoin their units. This ensured they did not lose their sharpness for battle and that a unit’s cohesiveness was retrained. He rejoined his unit on 28^th August 1917

DISCIPLINED 7^TH SEPTEMBER 1917

Hedley was disciplined for conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline in that he kept to the wrong side of the road when machinery with a squad & intercepted traffic. He was awarded FP NO 2 for 5 days. In Field Punishment Number Two, the prisoner was placed in fetters and handcuffs but was not attached to a fixed object and was still able to march with his unit. This was a relatively tolerable punishment.

BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1917 AND 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

LEAVE IN ENGLAND

Hedley was given leave in England from 18^th January 1918 and rejoined on 26^th January

HOSPITALISED -SCABIES, 24^TH FEBRUARY 1918

On 24^th February 1918 Hedley was hospitalised with scabies. Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by a mite, leading to intense itching, rashes, and skin irritation. It spreads through close contact and was a common issue among the soldiers due to poor hygiene and overcrowded conditions. It was treated using sulphur-based creams to kill the mites. Infected soldiers were scrubbed with soft soap and soaked in warm baths to expose the mites & their uniforms, bedding, and personal items were thoroughly cleaned to prevent reinfection. Hedley returned to his unit on 13^th March 1918

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

HOSPITALISED- SCALDED HAND 13^TH APRIL 1918

On 13^th April Hedley’s hand was accidentally scalded. He was invalided to the Military Hospital in Boscombe, England on 19^th April

FURLOUGH & NO 1 COMMAND DEPOT SUTTON VENEY

Hedley was given furlough from 9^th May to 23^rd May 1918 and told to report to No 1 command depot at Sutton Veney.  The No. 1 Command Depot at Sutton Veny, Wiltshire, was a convalescent and training facility for Australian soldiers during World War I. It helped wounded soldiers recover before returning to duty. Soldiers underwent physical conditioning to prepare for frontline service.

HOSPITALISED- SCABIES 19^TH JUNE 1918

During this time Hedley was again hospitalised with scabies. He was admitted to the Group Clearing Hospital. On 25^th June he was again marched into the command depot classified as B1A.  B1 means he was able to march 5 miles, see to shoot with glasses, and hear well. A means he was able to march, see to shoot, hear well, and stand active service conditions

DISCIPLINED 23^RD JUNE 1918

Hedley was disciplined on 23^rd June 1918. His offence was conduct to the prejudice of good order & military discipline in that he was reading a paper while on parade. He was given 7 days confined to camp.

HOSPITALISED- DIARRHOEA 10^TH JULY 1917

On 10^th July Hedley was admitted to the Group Clearing Hospital with diarrhoea. Treatment included being given chloride of lime to sterilize drinking water, though many disliked the taste. Bland foods were provided to ease symptoms, but food shortages often made proper nutrition difficult. Antibiotics were not yet available, so treatment relied on basic antiseptics and hydration. On 2^nd September he was transferred to the 1^st Military Hospital in Harefield then to Sutton Veney again.

GETTING HOME

The end of the war was in sight and on 11^th 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. On 25^th January 1919 Hedley boarded the HMAT Ceramic bound for Australia. He disembarked on 26^th March 1919 and was discharged on 3^rd May 1919.

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service, Hedley was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal

HOME LIFE

Hedley married Isabel Margaret Sarah Jarvis in 1922 in Murwillumbah. Their son, Ronald Hedley James Baker was born on 18^th June 1923. On 25^th March 1938 Hedley purchased one of 33 allotments at Kirra, Coolangatta, for 380 pounds. Hedley died on 28^th March 1966, aged 72, in Currumbin and is buried in Tweed Heads Old General Cemetery

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