John ‘Jack’ Brian Baker (1926-1975) married Joyce Alwyn Dadd (1928-2017)

1926 – Birth of John Brian Baker

On 8 March 1926, John Brian Baker was born in Ashfield, NSW, Australia.

He was the second of 3 siblings, having an older sister Frances Josephine Baker born 1823 and younger brother William Patrick Baker born 11 September 1931 in Corowa, NSW. Died 28 July 2006 in Albury, NSW).

Son of Francis Baker (born 31 October 1894 in Ballina, NSW. Died 3 April 1978 in Concord, NSW) and Mary Agnes McAulley (born 22 October 1896 in Forrest Reef, NSW. Died 14 November 1971 in Canberra, NSW). They married on 18 December 1923 at Bathurst, NSW.

–Francis was the son of Patrick Baker (born 1843, County Clare, Ireland. Died 5 June 1932 in Wardell, NSW) and Charlotte Kirwin Hendley (born 1856, Wardell, NSW. Died 31 December 1940, Wardell, NSW). They married in 1878 at Richmond River, NSW.

1943 – Joined the Sydney Sea Training Depot

About June 1943, John was part of The Sydney Sea Training Depot on Snapper Island, Sydney Harbour.

“Tiny Snapper Island is the smallest island in Sydney Harbour. It lies 200 metres off Drummoyne.”

“In 1921 Leonard E Forsythe was involved with the founding of the Navy League Sea Cadet Company at Drummoyne. By 1929 over 70 boys were enrolled and new premises were necessary. Forsythe leased Snapper Island from the government, determined that this little island was the perfect place to train boys in nautical skills.”

“The training given to these youths on Snapper Island was indeed vigorous and provided experience in all matters of seamanship; rowing, sailing, boat maintenance, rope work and signalling. First aid, cooking, radio operation and marksmanship were also taught. Beyond these skills, physical fitness was central to the cadet program, with boxing and gymnasium classes held on Friday nights. For many of the youthful cadets the skills and training, together with the discipline and the drill of Snapper Island, would give them a clear insight into their future careers… By 1945, 2,200 youths had completed courses in seamanship, boat handling and signalling; of these, 700 went on to join the Navy.”

On 2 February 1944, Forsythe wrote of Baker “The bearer John Baker, has been a member of this Establishment for the past seven months, and has now requested his discharge. He was during his period of service keen, eager to learn, trustworthy and honest.”

1944 – Applied to Join the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)

On 7 February 1944, Baker applied to join the Royal Australian Air Force. He wrote that he had been at the Snapper Island cadet training depot as a seaman for four months, and in the communications branch for three months. He requested to become a Trainee Telegraphist. Baker wrote that his present occupation was Clerk, with his employer being Commissioner for Road Transport and Tramways NSW. He wrote that he was 5″8 (172.7cm) and 9 stone (57.1 kilograms).

On 18 February 1944, a Correspondence record regarding Baker was filled out.

On 25 February 1944, Baker applied to join the Royal Australian Air Force, requesting to instead become a Trainee Technical (Wireless).

1944 – Enlistment in the RAAF

On 8 March 1944, Baker submitted further paperwork to join the Royal Australian Air Force.

On 8 March 1944, Baker completed an aptitude test and was found suitable for “Trainee Technical”.

On 15 March 1944, Baker received a letter from the RAAF Recruit Centre, requesting that he report at 8:30am on 24 March 1944.

On 24 March 1944, Baker enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force at the No. 2 Recruit Centre, Sydney. He noted that he had previously applied to join the Royal Australian Navy but had been rejected due to being underweight.

1945 – Military Service – Trade

On 28 April 1945, Baker was found proficient at Wireless Maintenance Mechanics.

On 11 December 1945, Baker had a Trade Test report.

1946 – Discharged from the RAAF

On 30 January 1946, Baker discharged from the RAAF.

1946 – Joined the Army

In 1946, Baker joined the army.

1948 – Court-Martialed in Japan, Found Not Guilty

In 1948, Baker was court-martialed in Japan for giving a Japanese interpreter a pair of boots which were Commonwealth property. Baker successfully argued that these boots were his personal property, and in any case was lending them to the man. Baker was found not guilty.

1951 – Lost His Arm in a Car Crash

On 12 November 1951, Baker was driving a car on the Calder Highway near Gisborne, Victoria (about 50km north-west of Melbourne) when he was involved in a crash with a semi-trailer. As a result of this crash, Baker lost an arm.