Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Military Service

Additional Information

Son of James Humphrey and Sarah Amelia (née Russell) Baird, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Nelson was engaged to Peggy Gallimor (née Warren). Brother of Flight Sergeant Gordon Baird, deceased 16 July 1942, Charlie, and Cecil Baird of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Warrant Officer Baird was born on 14 December 1923 at Shoal Lake, Manitoba where his family has mounted a plaque to commemorate he and his brother Gordon. Mrs Sarah Baird, his mother, unveiled the plaque which was mounted at the Knox United Church in Winnipeg on which Nelson and his brother Gordon are commemorated. Nelson, the youngest of the Baird brothers, was burned very badly at the age of 4, receiving 3rd degree burns to 50% of his body. He was hospitalized for 14 months and as a teenager couldn't raise his arm above his shoulder. He tried to enlist in the Army but was turned down. He was later accepted into the Royal Canadian Air Force. Nelson was the runner up YoYo Champion of Manitoba at the age of 17. Warrant Officer Baird was honoured by the Province of Manitoba on February 28, 1995 when Baird Island in Northern Manitoba was named for him.

Commemorated on Page 493 of the Second World War Book of Remembrance. Request a copy of this page. Download high resolution copy of this page.