Veteran soldier Pte Augustus George Baker, 4176, 1/5th Bedfordshire Regiment, died at his home at 23 Collingdon Street, Luton, on July 12th, 1917, suffering from bronchitis, asthma and heart trouble. He was aged 44.

He was buried at Luton General Cemetery, Rothesay Road, on July 17th with military honours. His coffin was covered with the Union flag, and a bearing party, firing party and gun carriage were provided from Biscot. Buglers sounded the Last Post over his grave, now marked by a CWGC headstone bearing the name G. Baker. The Rev E. C. Whitworth conducted the funeral service.

Pte Baker had served 18 years with the Forces, including during the Boer War after which he obtained his discharge. At the outbreak of hostilities in August 1914 he rejoined the 1/5th Bedfordshire Regiment and was among those who landed at Gallipoli in 1915. After four months' service at the Dardanelles he was invalided home with dysentery.

Following a period of treatment in various hospitals, he was discharged from service on May 19th, 1916. He had since been at home suffering from bronchitis and asthma which along with heart trouble contributed to his death.

Born in Walthamstow, Essex, Augustus George Baker came to Luton with his family at a young age. In March 1893 he married Ellen Sarah Moss in Luton and had five surviving children - daughters Florence May and Grace Ellen, and sons Alfred John, George and Charles Edward. Alfred had fought alongside his father at Gallipoli and was serving in Palestine at the time of his father's death.