John Baker (RAF officer)

Infobox Military Person
name=John Wakeling Baker


caption=
born=23 October 1897
died=10 March 1978
placeofbirth=
placeofdeath=Bromley, England
nickname=
allegiance=United Kingdom
branch=Royal Garrison Artillery
Royal Flying Corps
Royal Air Force
serviceyears=1916-1956
rank=Air Chief Marshal
unit=
commands=
battles=World War I
World War II
awards=Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath
Military Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross
Mention in Despatches
relations=
laterwork=

Air Chief Marshal Sir John Wakeling Baker GCB, MC, DFC, ADC, RAF (23 October 1897–10 March 1978) was a senior commander in the Royal Air Force in the middle of the 20th century.

In 1918 he was awarded the Military Cross "Lt. John Wakeling Baker, R.G.A. and R.A.F. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in carrying out low-flying reconnaissances and contact patrols under heavy machine-gun, rifle and anti-aircraft fire, when he remained in the air for long hours, often under abnormally bad weather conditions and often in darkness or thick mist. On one occasion he fired into enemy troops and transport, causing great confusion, and remained over their lines taking notes until quite dark, when he returned with his machine riddled with bullets. On every flight he obtained most important information, which was dropped at headquarters, and throughout the period his work has been magnificent."LondonGazette|issue=30813|startpage=8773|date=26 July 1918 |accessdate=2007-12-23]

He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1925 for his "gallant and distinguished service with the Royal Air Force in Waziristan. This officer showed devotion to duty throughout the operations and set a high example to all ranks. He performed 69 hours war flying as a pilot, which included 35 raids. [ [http://yourarchives.nationalarchives.gov.uk/index.php?title=AIR_30/62 National Archives - Flight Lieutenant John Wakeling Baker, M.C. - Recommendation for Award of the Distiguished Flying Cross] ]

Reference

* [http://www.rafweb.org/Biographies/Baker_J.htm Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation - Air Chief Marshal Sir John Baker]

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