“Fortunately, Sir Brian’s sister, Winifred, spent most of her life chronicling her brother’s service, maintaining sever-al scrapbooks of his correspondence, articles written by and about him, and even sympathy messages received following his death.” – Over the Front From Rifleman to Air Marshal, Sir Brian Baker excelled in every role. Having transferred to the Royal Flying Corps and learning to fly in record time on a Maurice Farman Longhorn, he progressed to a Bristol Fighter on the Western Front. A natural pilot, he became a ‘Flying Ace’, chasing the Red Baron down and accounting for twelve Fokkers and Gothas in quick succession, earning several gallantry medals. Brian’s close shaves were legendary. Between the wars he was Commander of the famous ‘Cock Squadron’ at Biggin Hill followed by being attached to the Royal Navy, pioneering the training and use of aircraft carriers. His many key appointments during the Second World War included commanding the RAF’s North Atlantic defenses and Coastal Command. His role in the planning of Operation CORK ensured that not a single U-Boat reached the Channel throughout the D-Day landings. Post-war Sir Brian, now an Air Marshal and CinC Transport Command, master-minded the Berlin Airlift with singular success. His career achievements were recognized by decorations from allied nations. A keen sportsman, Brian captained the RAF Cricket team at The Oval and organised a farewell tour of ten countries. Celebrating the achievements of one of the RAF’s most illustrious characters, this overdue biography will be welcomed by aviation enthusiasts worldwide.
