Pte Walter Baker, Veterinary Corps, died 3.3.16

[Guest Pete Wood]

Name: BAKER, WALTER

Initials: W

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment: Army Veterinary Corps

Unit Text: 22nd Vet. Hosp.

Age: 32

Date of Death: 03/03/1916

Service No: SE/3045

Additional information: Son of William and Mary Anne Baker, of Snailwell, Newmarket, Cambs.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: III. F. 4.

Cemetery: ABBEVILLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY

SDGW states:

Born Snailwell, Cambridge

Enlisted Newmarket

Died

For those who are not familiar with the area, Newmarket has a well known horse racing track. The area is littered with equestrian businesses. I would say it is a fair bet that Walter was already working with horses before he enlisted.

[Guest Pete Wood]

Walter Baker is commemorated on the Fordham memorial. See http://www.roll-of-honour.com/Cambridgeshire/Fordham.html

[Guest Pete Wood]

In the 1901 census, 16 year old Walter is listed as a Gardener.....

So my hunch was partly right; horse manure is good for the roses.

[Guest Pete Wood]

Here is a link to the Vets section on The Long, Long Trail http://www.1914-1918.net/vets.htm