Dictionary of Indian Biography/Baker, Sir William Erskine
BAKER, SIR WILLIAM ERSKINE (1808–1881)
Son of Capt. Joseph Baker, R.N.: born Nov. 29, 1808: educated at Ludlow and Addiscombe: joined the Bengal Engineers 1826: to India, 1828: employed in canal work: led an attacking column in the battle of Sobraon, in the Sikh war of 1845–6: rendered excellent service in the P.W.D., as Superintending Engineer of the Delhi canals, and of the Sind canals and forests. Director of the Ganges canal, and Consulting Engineer for Railways: Secretary to the Government of India in the P.W.D., 1854–5: Colonel, 1857: in 1858 was made Military Secretary at the India Office: Member of the Council of India, 1861–1875: K.C.B., 1870: General, 1877: died at Barnwell, Somersetshire, Dec. 16, 1881.