Henry Cook Baker

Henry Cook Baker D.C.M., M.S.M., Q.S.A.M (eight bars) was a sergeant in the 18th (Queen Mary's Own) Hussars during the Boer War from 1899 to 1902. The period 1899 to 1902 is also known as the Second Boer War. He was honorably discharged after 17 and half years service after being severely wounded near a farm called Roodepoort close by Waterval Boven down towards the Lowveld. During this engagement he made an attempt to save the life of Lieutenant Cawston of Norwich, who, despite his efforts eventually died of his wounds. Sergeant Baker was so badly wounded his right arm had to be amputated.

He fought in nearly every major engagement in South Africa and was with Lord Roberts at the siege of Ladysmith. He was mentioned in Lord Robert's Despatch on 4 September 1901, and Lord Kitchener's Despatch on 28 July 1901. Sergeant Baker served in the Sudan, Egypt, and the North-West Frontier of India. Upon arrival in South Africa from India he had already been mentioned twice in dispatches for acts of bravery. He became the Regiments crack shot (retaining this honour for nearly 20 years), fencing champion and won the Regimental heavy-weight boxing championship. Later he became an instructor at the Cavalry School in Aldershot and founding member of the Carlton branch of the British Legion.