Francis, Geoffrey Baker
- Date of birth:
- December 4th, 1918 (Sydney, Australia)
- Service number:
- 412356
- Nationality:
- Australian
Biography
Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!
RAAF Pilot Wings
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Pilot Officer
- Unit:
- No. 467 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force
- Awarded on:
- December 16th, 1943
"Pilot Officer BAKER has completed a number of daring and successful operations which have included three attacks on Berlin.
When atacked by enemy fighters he has always displayed great presence of mind and exceptional fearlessness in the face of danger.
During sorties to Cologne in June, 1943, the aircraft was seriously damaged by and enemy fighter but was successfully flown to base by Pilot Officer Baker, although the starboard aileron, trimmers, flaps and hydraulic system were unserviceable.
His skill in handling the aircraft and courage in the face of danger were highly commendable."
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Pilot Officer
- Unit:
- No. 97 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- August 31st, 1944
Citation:
"Flying Officer JONES and Warrant Officer CLARK of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve werd mid-upper and rear gunner repectively of the aircraft piloted by Lieutenant BAKER detailed for an operation recently.
Whilst over the target, the aircraft was illuminated in a concentration of search lights and at that moment, Warrant Officer CLARK sighted a Junkers 88 closing in. He promptly warned his pilot who manoeuvred to a good position and his gunners were then able to bring their guns to bear with good effect. Following their accurate bursts of fire, the enemy aircraft caught fire and fell to the ground.
Almost immediately, another enemy aircraft closed in, but excellent co-operation between Flight Lieutenant BAKER and his gunners frustrated the atatcker which was finally shot down.
A third fighter then took up the attack, but it was driven off.
In these spirited flights, Flight Lieutenant BAKER and his gunners displayed skill, coolness and resolution."
2nd award: bar
"Flying Officer JONES and Warrant Officer CLARK of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve werd mid-upper and rear gunner repectively of the aircraft piloted by Lieutenant BAKER detailed for an operation recently.
Whilst over the target, the aircraft was illuminated in a concentration of search lights and at that moment, Warrant Officer CLARK sighted a Junkers 88 closing in. He promptly warned his pilot who manoeuvred to a good position and his gunners were then able to bring their guns to bear with good effect. Following their accurate bursts of fire, the enemy aircraft caught fire and fell to the ground.
Almost immediately, another enemy aircraft closed in, but excellent co-operation between Flight Lieutenant BAKER and his gunners frustrated the atatcker which was finally shot down.
A third fighter then took up the attack, but it was driven off.
In these spirited flights, Flight Lieutenant BAKER and his gunners displayed skill, coolness and resolution."
2nd award: bar
Sources
Looking for reliable information or news facts about WW2? Do you want to create your own battlefield tour to sights of wars from the past? Or are you interested in war medals and their recipients? TracesOfWar.com tells you more!
More information
© STIWOT, 1999-2025. All rights reserved. Privacy statement, cookies, disclaimer and copyright