Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A good Second World War 1943 ‘Tunisian campaign’ Stretcher Bearer’s M.M. group of five awarded to Corporal T. L. Baker, 5th (Huntingdonshire) Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment, who was originally recommended for the D.C.M. - when he distinguished himself whilst in command of “C” Company’s stretcher bearers during the operations to clear the Béja-Medjez road, 8 April 1943. He ‘at once commenced to evacuate the wounded back to the Medjez Road, a distance of about two miles, over exceedingly difficult country and under heavy fire... Baker made this gruelling journey ten times under fire...’

Baker was subsequently wounded in action during operations in the hills around Medjez el Bab, 27 April 1943

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (4032842 Cpl. T. L. Baker. North’n R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted for wear, generally very fine (5) £1,000-£1,400

M.M. London Gazette 15 June 1943.
The original recommendation (for the award of a D.C.M.) states: ‘Corporal Baker was in command of Stretcher Bearers of “C” Company, 5 Northamptons, who on the morning of 8 April 1943, were ordered to attack a position on Hill Ae Derej 473373, which was on the right flank of the Battalion’s attack. “C” Company captured and occupied the position under heavy mortar and machine gun fire and suffered heavy casualties. The Stretcher Bearers under Corporal Baker at once commenced to evacuate the wounded back to the Medjez Road, a distance of about two miles, over exceedingly difficult country and under heavy fire from a flank. Corporal Baker made this gruelling journey ten times under fire with his men during the day, encouraging them to further efforts. By his action 18 wounded men were evacuated and four lives definitely saved. At all times he has shown great courage, coolness and valour and by his personal efforts and disregard to danger is an example to all. I strongly recommend this N.C.O. for an immediate award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal.’

Thomas Leonard Baker served during the Second World War with the 5th (Huntingdonshire) Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment as part of the 11th Infantry Brigade, 78th Infantry Division, and distinguished himself in action during the Tunisian campaign in 1943.

On 7 April 1943, the 78th Infantry Division was tasked with clearing the Béja-Medjez road. Supported by artillery and close air support, they methodically advanced 10 miles through difficult mountain terrain over the next ten days, clearing a front 10 miles wide. It was during the second day of the advance that Baker led his Stretcher Bearers multiple times under heavy fire.

Corporal Baker was wounded in action, 27 April 1943. As the Allied armies from the west and the south closed in on Bizerta and Tunis, German resistance became more stubborn, especially through the hills around Medjez el Bab. On 27 April 1943 the 5th Battalion was ordered to take a mosque which was heavily defended. The attack was across open country without artillery or tank support and in the face of heavy artillery and machine gun fire. The battalion was pinned down and as the open plain was obviously untenable it withdrew at dusk. A new advance was planned on the 28th, this time with more success. However, heavy enemy counter-attacks caused further withdrawals. That night the 5th Battalion was relieved and moved back to an area east of Medjez. They suffered casualties of 79, including 4 officers.