In Memoriam - General John Stuart Baker AC, DSM

General John Stuart Baker AC, DSM

(1937–2007)

General Baker was born in Melbourne in 1936. He joined the Australian Army in 1954, and graduated from the Royal Military College, Duntroon into the Royal Australian Engineers.

General Baker was a highly intelligent and dedicated military officer. He saw operational service in Papua New Guinea and undertook two tours in Vietnam. For his work in Vietnam with the 1st Australian Civil Affairs Unit, he was Mentioned in Dispatches for his devotion to duty, professional skill and leadership qualities of the highest order.

His career, spanning over forty-four years saw him undertake a wide variety of command, staff and field appointments, including Director-General Joint Service Policy, Director Joint Intelligence Organisation and Vice Chief of the Defence Force. In 1995 General Baker was appointed Chief of the Defence Force.

During his tenure as Chief of the Defence Force, General Baker led significant structural change with the implementation of new and more effective higher command and control arrangements. He was also responsible for implementing the Defence Reform Program and integrating civilian and military staff into a cohesive Defence team. General Baker retired from the Australian Defence Force in 1998.

General John Baker was greatly admired throughout the entire Australian Defence Force. He garnered great respect for his compassion, determination and professional mastery.

Roger Lee

Army History Unit