William Baker (footballer)

William Baker

Personal information
Full name	William James Baker
Date of birth	c. 1883
Place of birth	Plymouth, Devon
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)

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]

References

1. "William Baker". Greens on Screen. Retrieved 17 August 2010.
2. "Casualty details". Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 10 September 2010.