Gunner Thomas Raymond Baines
Unit : Regimental Headquarters, 53rd (Worcestershire Yeomanry) Airlanding Light Regiment, RA
Army No. : 1130780
Awards : Military Medal
Gunner Baines travelled in the same glider as Gunner Hooper MM.
During the campaign Gunner Baines has been a despatch rider with tactical Regimental Headquarters. On 24th March when his glider crashed on the east bank of the River Issel, having already burst into flames through intense flak, he crawled to Lieutenant Hurndall lying pinned under the front of the glider and dragged him to safety under heavy small arms fire. He then made two further journeys to drag away Gunner Diggory who was mortally wounded and the Sergeant Pilot, whom he managed to carry with Lt Hurndall to our lines by wading across the River Issel under close range small arms fire. Gunner Baines' outstanding gallantry undoubtedly saved the lives of the officer and NCO. On several occasions by night as Despatch Rider he carried vital messages and fire plans through uncleaned woods and forests known to harbour hostile strong points and mobile patrols. On 29th April in particular he made several journeys in the Elbe bridgehead through areas being shelled and bombed.