Navy tribute to helicopter technician Joe Baker after crash

Joe Baker, 20, from Knighton, died in a road traffic collision near Yeovil, where he was stationed with the Royal Navy, on Monday, November 27. Avon and Somerset Police confirmed a man died at the scene of an accident involving a VW Polo and a Mini on Berhill, near Street, Somerset, at around 7.30am. Joe joined the Royal Navy in March 2020 and joined RNAS Yeovilton in November that year, becoming an air engineering technician in September of 2021.

He was posted to 846 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) as part of Commando Helicopter Force, where he would service aircraft with the responsibility of inspecting the squadron’s Merlin helicopters prior to flying and conduct repairs and maintenance, keeping them safe and ready for operations. Superiors and colleagues described him as an “affable and cheerful presence” on the squadron and said his death leaves behind a significant void at the squadron, and that friends and colleagues will greatly miss his character and exemplary service. Joe played both football and rugby for Knighton. (Image: Royal Navy, Knighton Town Football Club)

Commanding officer, Commander James Coleman, said: “Joe was a well-liked and dependable member of our squadron. “He was a constant source of morale and always attacked problems with a ‘can do’ attitude; he embodied the traits we exemplify within the Royal Navy and the Fleet Air Arm. “His passing is a huge shock to the team, he will be sadly missed.”

Chief Petty Officer Peter Hillman added: “I took Joe on two exercises where he contributed more than just his engineering skills, volunteering to be winched down onto on a ship for an exercise in rough conditions. “Joe was the only person who then volunteered to return to the ship the next day.” Joe regularly volunteered for detachments across the UK, embarked in ships and overseas and through his positive approach he experienced all that Naval and ‘Junglie’ life had to offer in his short career.

Always keen to be involved and a source of morale for his shipmates, he was trusted to complete difficult tasks in arduous conditions, maintaining an infectious positive attitude. OTHER NEWS: Ludlow-born Joe was well regarded as an all-round sportsman in his hometown, playing both football and rugby, with both Knighton clubs describing him as an “asset” as they previously paid tribute to him.

Both cancelled their respective fixtures following the news, while Tref-y-Clawdd RFC announced that they will be retiring Joe’s number 14 shirt for the remainder of this season. “He was an asset to the club and will be dearly missed by everyone in the club and who knew him,” Tref-Y-Clawdd announced on its Facebook page on Friday, December 1. “To honour Joe the club will be retiring his number for the rest of the season.

Our condolences to all family and friends. Rest in peace Joe.” In a tribute post on its Facebook page, Knighton Town Football Club said: “He was an asset to the club after playing for his home town for the last 4 years, in which he has had a massive influence at the club with his fellow players and the supporters.”

Condolences came from rugby clubs near and far, including Powys neighbours Llandrindod Wells, Builth Wells and Newtown, as well as from Forgeside, Magor, Old Tyleryans, Whitchurch, Brackla, Deri, Rhigos, Bush Ironsides, West Mon, Wattstown, Pontllanfraith and Cardiff Saracens.

In football circles, tributes were sent by St Harmon, Radnor Valley, Builth Wells, Hay St Marys, Talgarth Town and Ludlow Colts Football Clubs.

A Help for Heroes fundraiser launched in the wake of Joe’s death by his family has raised nearly GBP6,000