Baker, J or H J A

HERBERT JAMES ARTHUR BAKER

Remembered with honour Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery: Plot XXI, Row D, Grave 12A.

He enlisted in Watford; was entitled to the Victory, British War and 1914-15 Star medals, his qualifying date being 29 August 1915, and was killed in action.  Unfortunately, James’ Service Record appears to be one that did not survive the World War Two bombing.

Son of George and Henrietta (formerly SARGENT?, nee PAGE) BAKER of Watford.

His parents possibly married 1891 in the Battle, Sussex, district.  Henrietta died 1932 in Watford aged 71, and was buried 5 December in Vicarage Road Cemetery, Watford; George died 1936 in Watford aged 73, and was buried 24 June, also in Vicarage Road Cemetery.

Herbert James was born 26 November 1895 in the Chesterton, Cambs, district [not Watford].  He attended Victoria Junior School, Watford; then Beechen Grove Board School, Watford, from 10 January 1905 to 22 December 1908.

On the 1901 Census, aged 5 he lived in Watford, with his parents and five siblings.  On the 1911 Census, a paper sorter aged 15, he still lived in Watford, with his parents and five siblings.