John Baker (RAF officer)

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John Wakeling Baker
23 October 1897 – 10 March 1978
Place of death	Bromley, England
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	Royal Garrison Artillery Royal Flying Corps Royal Air Force
Years of service	1916-1956
Rank	Air Chief Marshal
Awards	GCB, MC, DFC

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. ^[1]

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. ^[2]