A Great War D.C.M. group of four awarded to Corporal A. Baker, Hertfordshire Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (265630 Cpl., 1/1 Herts. R.-T.F.); 1914 Star, with (later) clasp (2723 Pte., 1/1 Herts. R.); British War and Victory Medals (2723 Cpl., Herts. R.) mounted as worn; Silver War Badge, reverse inscribed, ‘A. Baker 2723 Herts. No. 472014’ and with Hertfordshire Regiment B.E.F. lapel badge, reverse numbered, ‘510’, fine and better (6) £1000-1400

D.C.M. London Gazette 26 January 1918.

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in an attack. After the officers of his company had become casualties, he led his platoon and displayed great initiative and good leadership. He collected parties of men and assisted the regimental serjeant-major, who was commanding the battalion, to consolidate the position. During the whole of the time he was under heavy fire.’

Alfred Baker enlisted on 5 September 1914. As a Private in the Hertfordshire Regiment he entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 6 November 1914. Awarded the D.C.M. as a Corporal for his distinguished services and leadership under fire. Later transferred to the Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Regiment. Discharged on 26 February 1919 and awarded the Silver War Badge (number 472015). Entitled to the clasp to the 1914 Star - this sent to him in 1960, his home address being ‘Greendale’, 170 King Edward Avenue, Worthing.

With certificate of award for the Buttonhole Badge of the 1st Hertfordshire Regiment B.E.F., no. 510, dated 12 June 1919; Ministry of Pensions letter, dated 20 March 1919; Royal Hospital Chelsea letter dated 23 April 1919 re the award of an extra pension due to the award of the D.C.M.; letter to A. Baker from RSM McKean, 1st Battalion Hertfordshire Regiment (TA), dated 4 November 1957; with envelope, addressed Baker at 26 Milton Grove, New Southgate, N.11’; Army Medal Office slip to accompany the clasp to the 1914 Star, dated 20 September 1960; clothing coupon books (3) to Alfred Baker, Bertha Baker and B. Baker at the above address; postcard photographs (5). With copied m.i.c. and S.W.B. roll extract.