BAKER, John Joseph
| Service Number: | 7208 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 3 November 1916, Emerald, Qld. |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 15th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Parsons Lagoon, Clermont, Queensland, Australia, 5 November 1891 |
| Home Town: | Clermont, Isaac, Queensland |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Stockman |
| Died: | Brisbane Hospital, Queensland, Australia, 12 September 1959, aged 67 years, cause of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane, Qld Anzac Portion 9 |
| Memorials: | Clermont All Saint's Parish Roll of Honor |
World War 1 Service
| 3 Nov 1916: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 7208, 15th Infantry Battalion, Emerald, Qld. | |
|---|---|---|
| 24 Jan 1917: | Involvement Private, 7208, 16th Infantry Battalion (WW1), --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '11' embarkation_place: Sydney embarkation_ship: HMAT Ayrshire embarkation_ship_number: A33 public_note: '' | |
| 24 Jan 1917: | Embarked Private, 7208, 16th Infantry Battalion (WW1), HMAT Ayrshire, Sydney | |
| 15 Apr 1919: | Discharged AIF WW1, Private, 7208, 15th Infantry Battalion, 1st MD |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Evan Evans
From Australian Remembrance Army
Australian World War One veteran Private John Joseph Baker, Service No. 7208, is among almost 800 previously unmarked WWI veterans’ graves in Lutwyche Cemetery we have now marked with plaques in recognition of their service for Australia.
We unveiled his plaque in Lutwyche Cemetery on 20 September 2025, along with a further 161 plaques on the previously unmarked graves of Australian World War One veterans:
See Australian Remembrance Army Facebook page
John Joseph Baker was born on 5 November 1891 at Parsons Lagoon, Clermont, Queensland, to William Baker and Rowena Baker, née Brace.
He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Emerald, Queensland, on 3 November 1916. At the time of enlistment, he stated his occupation as stockman and nominated his mother, Mrs Rowena Baker, of Bathe Creek, via Clermont, Queensland, as his next of kin. His age was recorded as 24 years and 11 months.
Private John Joseph Baker embarked for active service abroad from Sydney, New South Wales, aboard HMAT Ayrshire on 24 January 1917. He disembarked at Devonport, England, on 12 April 1917 and marched in to the 4th Training Battalion at Codford the same day.
During May 1917, Baker was treated for influenza, and admitted to the Group Hospital at Codford on 13 May and discharged on 19 May, after which he marched back in to the 4th Training Battalion at Codford. He proceeded overseas to France from England on 9 July 1917 and was taken on strength of the 15th Battalion in France on 27 July 1917.
During September and October 1917, Baker was treated through several medical and convalescent units. He was admitted to the 58th Casualty Clearing Station at Tincourt on 9 September, transferred to No. 6 Convalescent Depot at Camiers on 16 September, and later to No. 2 Convalescent Hospital at Havre with dysentery. He was discharged to the 4th Australian Divisional Base Depot at Havre on 23 November 1917 and rejoined the 15th Battalion six days later.
Baker was wounded in action on 4 July 1918, recorded as a gunshot wound to the right thigh. He was admitted to the 13th Australian Field Ambulance and then evacuated from France to England. He embarked for England from France on 14 July 1918 and was admitted to Cambridge Hospital, England.
His recovery continued through August and September 1918. He was transferred to No. 3 Auxiliary Hospital at Dartford on 23 August, discharged from hospital on 31 August, and granted furlough until 14 September. At the end of his furlough, he marched in to No. 1 Command Depot at Sutton Veny.
Baker left England for return to Australia aboard H.T. Orsova on 8 January 1919. He disembarked at Melbourne for Brisbane on 20 February 1919 and was discharged from the Australian Imperial Force at Brisbane on 5 April 1919.
John Joseph Baker died at Brisbane Hospital on 12 September 1959, aged 67, and was buried four days later at Anzac Portion 9, Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane.
His death certificate states that he was unmarried and had no children.
After decades without recognition at his place of burial, his grave now bears a plaque commemorating his service to Australia — ensuring his name endures among those remembered for their duty and sacrifice.
His identity and dignity have now been restored.
We have remembered him.
Lest We Forget
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