Lieut-Col Baker 1860

Valentine Baker is the most famous of all the commanding officers of the 10th Hussars, holding that post for 13 years, from 1860 to 1873. He was a very efficient cavalry commander, popular with the officers and men, and innovative. But in 1875 he had a moment of indiscretion and bad judgement involving a pretty young lady in a train compartment, that ruined him.
This photo, reprinted on the cover of Anne Baker’s book, A Question of Honour, shows Valentine Baker in 1860 as the newly appointed commanding officer of the 10th Hussars at the age of 33. He wears stable dress which is dark blue with gold lace and braid. His field officer status is indicated by the inch wide gold lace around his collar and cuffs. He has medal ribbons for his active service in the 12th Lancers, in South Africa in 1852 and in the Crimean War. You can read a fuller biography of his life and career (including his time as CO of the 10th Hussars) here.

Regimental Details | Commanding Officers | Biography