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Private William Alfred Baker, Royal Marine Light Infantry, HMS Laurentic, sunk by sea mines
29/08/2025
First World War Navy United Kingdom UPPER FAHAN (ST. MURA'S) CHURCH OF IRELAND CHURCHYARD
By Noonans Mayfair

United Kingdom

Private William Alfred Baker
662731

CWGC thanks Noonans Mayfair Ltd for this story

DIED ON 25 JANUARY 1917 AFTER H.M.S. LAURENTIC STRUCK TWO MINES OFF LOUGH SWILLY, IRELAND

William Alfred Baker attested into the Royal Marine Light Infantry and served during the Great War in H.M.S. Laurentic.

Private William Alfred Baker © Noonans Mayfair Ltd.

He was killed in action when Laurentic struck two mines off Lough Swilly, Ireland, on 25 January 1917.

Her crew successfully abandoned ship, but 354 of them died of hypothermia in her lifeboats, including Baker.
Memorial card with a photograph of Baker and SS Laurentic © Noonans Mayfair Ltd.
He is buried in Upper Fahan (St. Mura’s) Church of Ireland Churchyard, Buncrana, Co. Donegal, Ireland.
Upper Fahan (St. Mura’s) Church of Ireland Churchyard © CWGC
Medal trio and Memorial Plaque © Noonans Mayfair Ltd.
Above, 1914-15 Star and British War and Victory Medals to Ch.18143 Pte. A. W. Baker. R.M.L.I. and Memorial Plaque.