Montrose Baker was the son of Francis James Baker and Ella Baker (nee Webster) of Opononi, Hokianga. He was the grandson of Josiah Austin Baker and Bridget (Isabella) Baker (nee Thompson) of Taheke, Hokianga and of John Webster and Emily Webster (nee Russell) of Opononi, Hokianga. His great-grandparents were John Baker and Eliza Baker (nee Austin) of Wellington, Somerset, England and James Thompson and Margaret Thompson (nee Ragan) of Ireland. Private James Thompson, Regimental Number 530, formerly with the 19th Regiment of Foot came to New Zealand with the Royal New Zealand Fencibles, Howick, Auckland. His other great-grandparents were Andrew Webster and Jane Webster (nee Croom), of Montrose, Scotland, and George Frederick Russell and Hautonga, of Hokianga.

His sister Carena Muriel Baker served with the Women's War Service Auxiliary in WW2

On 9 August 1941 he was promoted to Lance Corporal

On 18 December 1942 he was wounded by a landmine explosion near Nofilia

On 8 June 1943 he was promoted to Corporal

Promoted 21 September 1944 to Lance Sergeant

A Royal Message of Condolence was sent to his mother on 17 May 1945

Medals sent to Mrs Ella Baker (mother) of Opononi, Hokianga, 14 March 1950.

Copies of two letters written by Corporal Baker to his mother are held in the Museum Library. One, dated 17 March 1944, mentions the weather, spring time farming, bombing raids by the air force, food, sport (football) and picture shows. The other, dated 12 November 1942 is a Christmas/New Year greeting. It mentions food, weather and mud. A copy of a certificate issued by the Minister of Defence and two letters of sympathy on Montrose Baker's death are also in the collection. One informing Mrs Baker of the details of her son's death is from Lieutenant F.T. Crothers dated 23 April 1945, the other is from K. McK. Williams (a Stock and Sharebroker in Auckland) dated 2 May 1945. (MS 2005/30) AWMM