| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | William James Baker | ||
| Date of birth | c. 1883 | ||
| Place of birth | England | ||
| Date of death | 22 October 1916 (aged 33) | ||
| Place of death | Serre, France | ||
| Playing position | Wing half | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| – | Green Waves | ||
| 1909–1915 | Plymouth Argyle | 193 | (1) |
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals). |
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William James Baker (c. 1883 – 22 October 1916) was an English professional footballer who played 202 games in the Southern League and FA Cup for Plymouth Argyle between 1909 and 1915. He played as a wing half.[1]
During the First World War, Baker served in the 17th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment – the so-called "Footballers' Battalion" – and rose to the rank of sergeant. He was awarded the Military Medal. He was killed in action on 22 October 1916 at Serre during the Battle of the Somme, and is commemorated at Sucrerie Military Cemetery at Colincamps.[1][2]