Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of George Silverton Baxter and Jessie Ann Baxter, of Colac, Victoria

Deeds That Live Forever
 
For unselfish heroism, by which he saved the life of a comrade, Sgt Robert Wilson Baxter, RAAF, has received the George Medal. He was captain of a bomber which made a  successful raid on Germany. His aircraft was hit from the ground defences and caught alight when nearing his base. After landing, five of the crew got out but the wireless  operator was trapped. Though ammunition and pyrotechnics were exploding, and the petrol tanks were liable to explode at any moment, Sgt Baxter re-entered the aircraft, and  succeeded in releasing the wireless operator and pushing him through the pilot's escape hatch. He himself got clear just before the tanks exploded, but he suffered extensive  burns.

WITH THE FORCES
Mr. and Mrs. G. S. Baxter, of Swan Hill, Mildura (V.), and Albury, have been advised that their only son, Sgt.-Pilot Robert 'Wilson Baxter, lost his life on August 7 as a result of  air operations. His parents were advised last week that he had been awarded the George Medal for entering a blazing bomber and risking his life to save his wireless operator. Sgt. Pilot Baxter was educated at Ballarat (V.) college, and was a member of the staff of the Shepparton branch of the Bank of N.S.W. He did his initial training in N.S.W. and  was sent to Canada in February, 1941. where he gained his wings. He left Canada for England In July, 1941, and completed his training at Gloucester, England.