He was the son of Francis James Baker and Ella Baker nee Webster.

Brother of Francis Harold Baker (Sergeant, 1st NZEF), Fairlie Nene Baker (Gunner, 1st NZEF) and Montrose Charles Baker ( Sergeant, killed in action, Forli, Italy).

Nephew of Robert Baker (1st NZEF, Rifleman) and William Baker (Private, 1st NZEF).

The following is a letter from Albert Harry Baker to his mother.

"Oct 17th 1943

49307

L/Bdr Baker ,A.H.

H/Q 37 Btn

17 Field Regiment

2nd NZEF IP

NZA PO 150

Overseas

Dear Mum

Pleased to receive your letter the other day as we are enjoying one of our many wet days. Being Sunday leaves the day open for writing. Sunday is usually our washing day and what a job it is trying to get our clothes dry. There is plenty of mud and water in our midst which does not help to improve our moral on this particular tropical island. The jungle consists of coconut palms and various other tress with very thick undergrowth. There has been a lot of talk of the coconut bombers of the Pacific and today we are bombed with them which certainly meets with success when falling from a fair height. Regards to Tojo and his gang we have not been worried so much by them lately. At present they are being worried very much by our allies both by sea and air and it appears their airforce is gradually geting weaker which is a great blow in island warfare.

In the Pacific there are hundreds of islands most of them were occupied by the Japs twelve months ago. Today is a different story but there is still too many in their hands to see the end of this struggle.

Mosquitoes here are not very annoying, but they are of the malaria type and we have to take all precautions gainst contracting the disease. Flies are not very plentiful but very persistant and will not take no for an answer. Snakes and other crawley creatures live in the jungle occassionally paying us a visit in our tents but after a while we become quite acquainted. i I don't know how Phyl would survive in this part of the world. I have been a sick man the last week, one of the many complaints we contract. I am all right now but lost a stone. All the weight I put on when in N.Z. has gone, so now I can look forward to putting it on again when I get back. I am pleased to hear Lavilie has a good crushing contract. Only wish I was there to help him out instead of wasting my time on these islands. I saw Bill Yakas the other day. Looks fit. He is a very happy soldier. The first day his gun went into action it brought down a Jap plane. Well mum, it has turned out fine so had better do some washing. I have not yet received your parcel but there is time yet. Any parcel of eats will be much appreciated here.

Love to Phyl, regards to Pop and much love for yourself.

Bert" AWMM