Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Family Group:
Four: Attributed to Gunner D. W. Baker, Royal Artillery
1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals, unnamed as issued, with Army Council enclosure, nearly extremely fine

One: Attributed to Mrs. Gladys M. Baker, Hertfordshire Battalion, Home Guard
Defence Medal, unnamed as issued, with Army Council enclosure, extremely fine (5) £40-£50

Denis Walter Baker was born in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, on 26 August 1916, the son of Walter William and Gladys Baker, and, following the outbreak of the Second World War, volunteered for the 7th Battalion, Hertfordshire Home Guard, becoming a member of the Apsley End Platoon. Released to join the Army, he attested for the Royal Artillery at at Blackdown on 10 April 1941, and served with No. 322 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery, 103rd Regiment, Royal Artillery on active service in Europe post D-Day. He was released from the Army on 1 July 1946.

Gladys Muriel Baker, née Hughes was the mother of Gunner Denis Walter Baker, and served during the Second World War with the 7th Battalion, Hertfordshire Home Guard. The employment of women in the Home Guard was restricted to non-combatant duties, such as clerical, communications, serving of food, and the driving of motor vehicles. Although not permitted to wear uniform, women in the Home Guard were issued with a badge, and in the event of capture by the enemy were to be treated as Prisoners of War.

Sold with Denis Baker’s Soldier’s Service and Pay Book; letters from Denis Baker to his mother Gladys; various original photographs; Gladys Baker’s National Registration Identity Card; various copied research; and a copy of the History of the 7th Hertfordshire Battalion, Home Guard.