GERMAN DIES FOR BRITAIN

Southland Times, Issue 17654, 11 February 1916, Page 6

GERMAN DIES FOR BRITAIN

REMARKABLE STORY. The Home Office has granted a certificate of naturalisation to Mrs Joan Mowat Bredalbane Sutherland Baker, of the Bungalow, Peperharow Road, Godaiming. Surrey, declaring her to be a British subject. Bchlntl this simple fact is hidden one of the most remarkable stories of the war, for Mrs Baker, although born in Scotland, is the widow of a German who served 19 years in the British Army, rose to the rank of squadron sergeant-major, and died the death of a hero at Messines. Prance, whilst lighting against the country of his birth. Ho was Squadron Sergeant-Major Harry William Baker, 11th Hussars, and was killed in action just over a year ago. Perhaps more remarkable still is the fact that it was not until eight months after his death that Mrs Baker, to whom he had been happily married since 1908, learned for the first time that her husband was a German, and that she, In consequence of her marriage, was an “alien enemy” of this country. This discovery caused Mrs Baker to have to be registered under the Aliens’ Restriction Order, and for a time she also lost her pension. This, with the arrears, and her nationality have been restored to her. The circumstances of Sergeant-Major Baker's death were an indication of his bravery as a soldier. He was killed during a "heavy bombardment whilst gallantly endeavouring to take a message for his squadron to the regimental headquarters. The regimental magazine, in recording his death, stated that he was a fine type, of a soldier, a capable N.C.0., a crack shot with rifle and revolver, and a splendid horseman and swordsman. He was very popular with officers and men of the regiment, and but for his untimely death would soon have received a commission for which ho had been recommended.