Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Telegraphist Cyril Lefroy Baker RAN O/N 1268

Cyril Baker was born on 29th November 1892 in Launceston, Tasmania and he was the son of John Baker and Mary Albert Elizabeth Baker (nee Stoneman) of 110 Elizabeth Street, Launceston, Tasmania.  He enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy as a Boy Seaman in HMAS PROTECTOR on 19th October 1911 for a five year engagement.  On joining he was reported to be five foot five and a half inches tall with dark hair, brown/green eyes and a dark complexion.  He was re-rated as an Ordinary Seaman on 17th October 1912 backdated to date of entry and was credited with difference in rate of pay.  On 30th September 1912 he signed on for a further seven years to take his total engagement to twelve years from the age of eighteen.  By the time that he signed on for the additional seven year engagement he had tattoos of a heart and a spear on his right forearm and a kangaroo and a flag on his left forearm.  On 22nd January 1913 he was drafted to HMAS CERBERUS and was rated Ordinary Telegraphist.  On 25th July 1913 he had qualified as, and had been rated as a Telegraphist.  He remained in HMAS CERBERUS until 1st August 1913 and was then drafted to HMAS ENCOUNTER on the following day.  A year later on 3rd August 1914 Cyril Baker was drafted to HMAS PENGUIN.  It is unclear when he joined Submarine AE1 but he was serving in the Submarine when it was lost off New Britain in the Bismarck Archipelago on 14th September 1914.  His next of kin was listed as his mother Alberta Baker of Launceston, Tasmania.  Cyril Baker qualified for £5/-/- pay for War Service. £121/10/- Prize Money, £18/15/- Final Share of Prize Money and £2/10/- Supplementary Share of Prize Money.  These amounts were paid to his father.  He is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval War Memorial on Panel No. 4

Australian Submarines Vol 2: 2nd Edition: a History Vol 2
By Michael White