Newsletter No43 – 2017
Captain Peter Baker – MC, Croix De Guerre, Savoy Cross, Medaglia D’Oro
WW2 took its toll on many of the nation’s soldiers when they returned home. Many were restless; mental problems claimed others; and some felt the need to return to the familiarity and security of army life and routine. Families who had anticipated ‘cosy reunions’ suffered, because in many cases it proved very difficult for their menfolk to adjust to a peacetime role, and the women who had been left at home found themselves bearing the brunt of adjustment – not only of the men, but of the confusion of their children reacquainting with their fathers.
Captain Peter Baker had a hectic war; he fought in all the campaigns in the Middle East and NW Europe, mostly behind enemy lines, with Phantom, the Resistance Groups and the Escape Lines. He worked with 2SAS and Popski’s Private Army, MI9 and the Intelligence Corps. Sadly at the end of the war he was one of the many who found difficulty adjusting to a peace-time role. After an illustrious, action-packed wartime career, Baker, the civilian, proved to be one of the many peace time casualties of war. He formed and controlled 17 companies, employed 500 people and became an MP at 28. Regrettably his restless lifestyle resulted in health problems, a nervous breakdown and involvement in a dubious business venture. He died at the young age of 45. He was just one of the many casualties of the peace.
Peter Baker’s extensive wartime service included operations with special forces units behind enemy lines, working closely with resistance networks and escape lines throughout the Middle East and Northwest Europe. His decorated military career earned him the Military Cross, Croix De Guerre, Savoy Cross, and Medaglia D’Oro, reflecting the international scope of his contributions to the Allied war effort.
Despite his military success and post-war business achievements, the psychological toll of his wartime experiences and the difficulty of transitioning to civilian life ultimately led to his early death, making him representative of many veterans who struggled with the lasting impacts of their service.