Premier's Anzac Spirit School Prize

Congratulations to Aston Joshy for his winning entry in the 2022 Premier’s Anzac Spirit School Prize.  Aston used the Virtual War Memorial Australia website, along with other sources, to complete some in-depth research of his chosen World War 1 serviceman: Thomas Charles Richmond Baker.  He then wrote a detailed account of Baker’s experiences and extensive contributions to World War 1.

When commenting on why he chose Baker, Aston wrote “he showed the Anzac Spirit through all he gave: his life, his courage, his loyalty, his mateship and his perseverance; all to the country that ran fiercely through his veins. He was a true Anzac”. 

Following a recent interview, Aston was selected to be a part of a group of secondary school students who will take part in a state government fully funded study tour of the Northern Territory in April 2023.   It is hoped that the trip will be an incredible opportunity for Aston, and we look forward to him sharing his experiences with the school community. 

Thomas Charles Richmond Baker

By Aston Joshy 

Extract 1

Thomas Charles Richmond Baker was born on the 2nd of May 1897 in Smithfield, South Australia.  He was the eldest son of five children.  His father, Richmond Baker, was a schoolmaster and farmer and his mother, Annie Martha Gardener, a housewife.  His home address was 55 Park Terrace, Unley, South Australia (Playford’s Past, 2022).  Baker completed his education at the prestigious Collegiate School of St. Peter’s, located in Adelaide.  He was a very enthusiastic individual, with a genuine interest in sports, especially tennis, rowing, and football (McCarthy, 1979).  Additionally, Baker was a member of the Cadet Corps.  It was here he gained some qualities advocated for by the ANZAC spirit: patriotism, discipline, honour, and leadership. During his schooling, Baker acquired an avid interest in aviation and his main hobby was constructing airplane models.  This instigated in Baker a goal to achieve an occupation related to aviation in the future. In 1914, Baker graduated from secondary school and worked as a clerk in the Adelaide branch of the New South Wales Bank  (Tong, 2022).

Extract 2

On the 4th of November 1918, while over the city of Ath, Belgium, Baker flew his plane for the last time (McCarthy, 1979).  His machine was tragically shot in the defence of others. He was seen attempting to land near River Eacaut; about 10 miles North of Tournai, however, the brutal force caused the plane to flip (Tong, 2022).  The same day, a car was sent out to trace the crashed machine but could not find it owing to the enemy line being slightly West of the River Eacaut at the estimated point of the crash (Schafer, 1918). The end of Baker’s inspirational life was later confirmed; mourned by his squadron and family. Baker died at just the age of 21. Posthumously, he was awarded many awards and promoted to captain. Not only Baker, but his family sacrificed for Australia, even though they didn’t get a chance to say their last goodbyes to him, they kept their heads up, eyes high, and felt proud that their son and brother died a hero (Baker, 2019).