Service Number: 855476

54 Field Company Royal Engineers

 

 

Oliver was born on the 18th August 1919 in Ward End. He was one of three known children, two daughters and a son born to Oliver John Baker and his wife, Edith nee Wallace. Oliver worked as a brick layer after leaving school..

 

Territorial Army

On 21st April 1936, aged 16, he enlisted with the Territorial Army serving with the Royal Artillery. Like most TA recruits, he continued to work full time. He was mustered on 18th August that year, attending annual camp for 15 days in 1936 and 1937. All TA recruits were required to take the general service obligation. This enabled them to be deployed overseas for combat. Additionally, each recruit was expected to attend for 2 drill sessions each week and an annual 2 week camp. 

 

Hansard notes that in 1936 Parliament was concerned about  the obstructive attitude of many employers towards men applying for leave to attend Territorial camp. Consideration was given to making such leave compulsory, with pay, and without forfeiting annual holiday entitlement.

 

Oliver’s service with the TA ended after 1 year and 313 days on 27th February 1938 when he was discharged.

 

Regular Army – Royal Engineers 

 

He attested the following day, 28th February 1938, as a Sapper in the Royal Engineers regiment in the Regular Army. He was described as  being 5 ft 4 3/4 in with a fresh complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. During his probationary training he completed the army’s pioneer brick laying qualification and was awarded the 3rd Class Certificate of Education. 

 

Following his initial training, he was posted to the 59th Field Company on 2nd April 1938. He benefitted from further training in September that year before being posted to 5th Field Company on 16th January 1939.

 

World War 2

On the outbreak of war, Oliver was placed on active service. He was posted to  54th Field Company with the Royal Engineers. They were responsible for maintaining the railways, roads, water supply, bridges and transport to allow supplies to reach the armies. By 12th October he was serving in Egypt, his records showing that he passed his 100 yard swimming test.

In 1939, the Field Company became part of the 7th Infantry Division, stationed in Cairo. Later that year it was re-designated the 6th (UK) Division and became HQ Western Desert Force. On 10th October 1941 it was re-designated the 70th Infantry Division in an attempt to deceive Axis intelligence concerning the strength of the British Forces in the Middle East.

The Royal Navy transported the division to Tobruk in October 1941. Under daily aerial and artillery attacks, the division defended the Tobruk port. On 18th November, the British Eighth Army launched Operation Crusader. Heavy fighting followed as the division captured several well defended and dug-in German and Italian strong points. The Germans launched several counter attacks to throw back the 70th Division.

Oliver died in battle on 5th December 1941 during this campaign.

He is remembered with honour by a cross at The Tobruk War Cemetery, Libya, North Africa. He is also commemorated at the war memorial at The Green, Castle Bromwich.