Victor Charles Baines

This story is shared by the Trust with kind permission from John Hamblin, Researcher.

Victor Charles Baines, Corporal 7929980, A Squadron, Inns of Court Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps. Killed in action on the 17th of August 1944, aged 37.

Victor Charles Baines was born at Beckenham, Kent on the 13th of October 1906, the son of Charles Albert Baines, a clerk to a manufacturer, and Louisa Baines (née Watkins) of 35, Carshalton Grove, Sutton in Surrey. He married Dora Mercia (née Baker) in 1937 and they lived at Peartree Cottage, Hurst Green in Surrey. He worked as an estate agent.

He served with A Squadron, Inns of Court Regiment. The regiment arrived in Normandy at the end of June. On the 17th of August 1944, A Squadron, Inns of Court Regiment received orders to push forward and cross the Flers - Conde Road and conduct a reconnaissance towards Putanges to the east. On their journey they passed through the village of Aubusson, which they cleared at 7.30am and the village of Ronfeugerai at 8.45am. They moved towards Flers but due to mines at the road junction they moved north east to the Briouze road. They encountered some enemy opposition but took several positions. Later, as the Squadron moved towards the crossings over the River Rouvre they were unable to move further forward due to the presence of large numbers of enemy infantry. Victor Baines was killed during the day.

He is buried at La Selle-La-Forge Communal Cemetery and he is commemorated on the war memorial at Oxted, Surrey and on the memorial at Hurst Green.

British Normandy Memorial - Additional Information

Unfortunately, we do not have a photo of Victor Baines. If you are aware of one or you are related to Victor we would love to hear from you so we can add to his story.