BAKER, Robert Arthur, D.F.C.

144360 Pilot Officer/Air Gunner, 50 Squadron (Bomber Command), R.A.F.Died 20/09/1943, Age 21, at Skellingthorpe, Lincoln

Buried 24/09/1943

Son of Herbert Raymond Arthur and Alice Baker of Ferriby, Yorkshire

Address: 175 Mill Road, Cleethorpes

50 Squadron was based at Skellingthorpe from 16 October 1942 until the end of the war, flying Lancasters.

When he died, Baker was actually part of the crew of a Wellington X (HE350) with 1485 BG flt unit. Bomber Counter Aviation Resource (www.bcar.org.uk) reports that the aircraft was:

“Airborne from Skellingthorpe 1537 for air gunnery training. As the aircraft climbed out, both engines cut out. The pilot was unable to turn back and crash-landed 3 miles northwest of the airfield. P/O W.G. Baker inj., Sgt J. Pemberton inj., Sgt A. Kirkman inj., P/O R.A. Baker DFC KIA, Sgt T.C. Newton inj., Sgt A. Bracey KIA, Sgt T. Baker KIA.”

The London Gazette reported that Robert Arthur Baker was posthumously awarded the D.F.C. on 16 November 1943.