JOHN BAKER

Died: 4th January 1900; KiA at Colesberg, Northern Cape, South Africa.

Residence: London.

Rank: Sergeant; Service Number: 384.

Regiment: Suffolk Regiment, 1st Battalion.

Clasp Awarded: Cape Colony.

One of the notable Battles with a large loss of Suffolk life was the “Battle of Suffolk hill” at Colesberg, Northern Cape 5th- 6th January 1900. The hill was originally called Red or Grassy Hill. The Suffolk regiment was ordered to make a night attack on a Boer position on the heights, four companies, 354 of all ranks, set out at midnight under the command of Col. Watson. The Suffolks were met by a storm of bullets. The Colonel was amongst the first to fall, and the party later retired with 11 officers and 150+ men killed, wounded or captured.

The Boer War.

Suffolk Regiment