Lieutenant Edwin Albert Baker

Lieutenant (Army).

The War Diary for the 6th Field Coy, Canadian Engineers states that on October 9, 1915 at 11:00 pm in the Locre area, "Lt. Baker shot through eyes".

Same Unit War Diary entry for January 19, 1916 states "Lt. Baker, E.A. awarded the Military Cross (London Gazette 13.1.16). This officer was wounded October 9th, 1915.".

Lieutenant Baker had been totally blinded by a sniper's bullet. After his initial treatment, he was sent to St. Dunstan's Hospital for the War Blinded in London, run by Sir Arthur Pearson. While at St. Dunstan's Sir Arthur was amazed at the unprecedented recovery and ability that Baker had in coping with his visual impairment. The many letter's to Baker's family from Pearson, along with Baker's correspondence and photos are found at Library and Archives Canada. Edwin went on to become an advocate for the visually impaired and was one of the founders, a charter member and the long time Managing Director for the Canadian National Institue for the Blind (CNIB). In this role Baker received many other awards and recognition.