COL. FREDERICK BAKER

Te Ao Hou, July 1958, Page 3

COL. FREDERICK BAKER The death has occurred suddenly of Lieut. Colonel Frederick Baker, D.S.O., E.D. Through his mother Colonel Baker was connected with the Nga Puhi tribe. He was born at Kohu Kohu, Hokianga, on June 19, 1908. He married in 1933 and had one son and a daughter. Colonel Baker assumed command of the Maori Battalion in July of 1942, leading the unit to Alamein. It was there that he was seriously wounded, and was invalided home. The citation for Colonel Baker's D.S.O. reads “During a difficult and a confused situation, and whilst under heavy fire, his fine and personal example was an inspiration to his men. In the attack on Point 29 on November I he commanded with outstanding spirit in a hard fought battle. Whilst doing so he suffered severe wounds Throughout, he showed exceptional thoroughness and skill.” Since the war, he has filled the position of Director of Rehabilitation and, in recent years was a Public Service Commissioner. He was 49 years of age.