Robinson and Solungkoi

Who is the person in the picture below? Is it Robinson, who is often talked about by the elders in the old stories about his romance with Solungkoi? Oh no!

Baker and his beautiful wife Bella

The left portrait is of a person in formal attire, specifically a suit with a tie, and the text "E. R Baker 1914" is written at the bottom. The right portrait is of a person wearing a sleeveless dress and a necklace, holding a bouquet of flowers, with the text "Bella" written at the bottom.

According to my mother, his wife, Belle, was very attractive -please see the attached photo which must have been taken on their wedding day, in Newcastle. I think I met her when I was small, but I found out she died in 1965. Richard Rose via email, dated 2020-12-02 04:22

Ernest Reginal Baker and his wife Bella once visited North Borneo. Starting as an assistant engineer in Sandakan under Mr. Budden and eventually becoming an Executive Engineer under the Public Works Department (PWD), he was assigned to lead the construction of the Tamparuli Bridge in the 1930s.

Starting with the construction of the Tamparuli Bridge during that era, the local residents and their ancestors have shared many stories about the romance between the British officer and a beautiful Dusun woman. This love story eventually led to a sacrifice that made the bridge more durable and sturdy, as we see it today. Most of the locals are familiar with this tragic story, as it has been passed down from generation to generation by the elders. 

Mr. Baker led the construction of the Tamparuli Bridge in the 1930s and was responsible for finding contractors until the bridge was fully completed. Interestingly, the name Robinson was not mentioned during the construction of the bridge. If Robinson was indeed the foreman at that time, we will try to uncover the truth behind this tragic story.

Indeed, stories and legends passed down through generations often require tangible evidence, whether physical or digital, to verify their authenticity. It's possible that some aspects of these tales have been hidden from public knowledge, making them either true or otherwise.

FYI, "BORNEO HERALD" dated 16th December 1933. It invites tenders for the construction of a Low Level Concrete Bridge across the Tuaran River at Tamparuli, mile 22½ Tuaran-Tenghilan Road. The notice specifies that tenders must be made on a printed form available at the offices of the Executive Engineer in Jesselton or Sandakan, with further particulars obtainable from 20th December 1933. Sealed tenders are to be received by the Executive Engineer in Jesselton by 12 noon on 3rd January 1934. The notice also states that the government does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any tender. The notice is signed by E. R. Baker, Executive Engineer, Public Works Department, and dated Jesselton, 13th December 1933.

Completion of Tamparuli Low Level Bridge

The low level bridge across the Tuaran River at Kampong Tamparuli was completed during the month. The structure appears to be a most massive one, and reflects credit on Mr. E. R. Baker, Executive Engineer Public Works Department, who was in charge of the construction. There is already the nucleus of a small township springing up at the bridgehead, and we wonder if the prophets who foretell of the eclipse of Tuaran town by Tamparuli are wise in their generation. Land speculators beware.

Baker's journey to Singapore in 1914

 

1. Name of Ship: BULOW

2. Steamship Line: North German Lloyd (Norddeutscher Lloyd or NDL)

2. Bound: Via China & Japan

3. Port at which passengers have contracted to land: Singapore

4. Future permanent residence: British North Borneo

5. Year: July 25 1914

Sources: Norddeutscher Lloyd - Wikipedia

Based on the information (passengers list) provided by Richard via email, the name Baker appears on the passenger lists for the ships Bulow and Hitachi Maru in 1914, for two journeys in July and August. The short duration between these long voyages suggests that something might have happened during that time, possibly the first journey being canceled or some other event. We are aware that 1914 marked the beginning of World War I.

1. Name of Ship: Hitachi Maru

2. Steamship Line: The Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK Line)

2. Bound: Via London & Japan

3. Port at which passengers have contracted to land: Singapore

4. Future permanent residence: British North Borneo

5. Year:  August 29 1914

Unexpected incident

The German liner Bulow, operated by the North German Lloyd (NDL), was involved in a notable incident on June 25, 1914. The ship was on a voyage from Yokohama to Southampton, carrying around 400 passengers and a crew largely composed of Japanese. Due to thick fog, the Bulow ran aground near Blacknor Point, west of Portland Bill. Despite efforts to refloat the ship, it remained stuck, and the passengers were transferred to other vessels for conveyance to Weymouth and then by rail to Southampton. It was that on Thursday morning.

The German liner Bulow did not have a notable incident on July 25, 1914. The significant incident involving the Bulow occurred on June 25, 1914, when the ship ran aground near Blacknor Point, west of Portland Bill, due to thick fog. Despite efforts to refloat the ship, it remained stuck, and the passengers were transferred to other vessels for conveyance to Weymouth and then by rail to Southampton

It is very likely that all journeys in all directions were canceled at that time, and it is also very likely that travel bookings for July 1914 had already been made before the incident occurred.

Ref: DCC: 25/06/1914; Transcribed by K. V. Saunders by Deeperdorset UK

BULOW

I am certain that in 1914, Baker was already in North Borneo after boarding the ship 'Hitachi Maru' on August 29, 1914. I also sent an email to Richard in 2021, including a photo of Baker dated 1914. 

The photo was obtained from the Flickr National Archives UK. The photo was labeled SABAH (Malaysia). Therefore, it can be confirmed that the photo is of one of the British officers who were already in North Borneo at that time.

The photo can be found at this link. Ernest Reginal Baker

Yapton Sandakan in UK

Ref:  Photo provided by Richard and Allen - Yapton Local History UK

• Not everyone knows about the existence of SANDAKAN in the UK.

In 1949, they made their way to Yapton and purchased 'The Lodge,' which they renamed Sandakan to commemorate their time in Borneo. They operated it as a Guest House. Visitors could experience 'a small but exclusive Guest House, offering quiet comfort and good food.' The local climate was deemed healthy, and each bedroom was equipped with hot and cold water, as well as an electric fire. The cost of a double room ranged from £11 0s 0d to £13 13s 0d per week. Guests were invited to relax in the attractive gardens and use the hard tennis court. Reg and Belle managed the Guest House until 1954, when it was sold again and renamed 'The Limes.' The house eventually fell into disrepair and was demolished around 1960, with a small housing estate named 'The Limes' built on the site.

Some years ago, in 2020, after successfully contacting Richard, he provided me with some additional information about SANDAKAN obtained from Mr. Allen from Local History. The information included pictures of the house used as a guest house, location maps, house plans, facilities, and much more.

The Birth of the Place Name SANDAKAN in the UK

Chronology:

1. The Lodge residence was owned by John and Sarah Sparks Engineering from 1885 to 1960.

2. In 1881, The Lodge was used as a girls' school for 10 students aged 11-18 under the supervision of Miss Annie Scott.

3. Sarah Sparks moved back to The Lodge for a short period in 1891 before it was rented by Captain Gerald M. Brooks of the Royal Navy in 1899 and Major Cecil Dudly in 1920.

4. In 1931, The Lodge was sold again, and after a few years, in 1938, it was once again used as a school under the supervision of Miss E.B. Davis after WW2.

5. Richard Rose's uncle, E.R. Baker, and his wife Belle, who worked under PDW (JKR) Sandakan, returned from North Borneo before WW2 and bought the residence as a 'Guest House' in 1949, naming the place SANDAKAN.

6. In 1954, Sandakan changed ownership and was renamed 'The Limes.' It was then renovated, and several buildings in the area were constructed in 1960.

Note: The Lodge is a fairly large residential area with several houses around it, including underground.

I have conducted some research and searched for the location of Yapton Sandakan in the UK based on the information provided by Allen and Richard. Unfortunately, I couldn't locate the house on Google Earth because it was demolished some years ago. In its place, a small housing estate called 'The Limes' was built. The location was on Church Road, which connects to Church Lane at the Church. On the map, it is labeled as Yapton Lodge and marked as number 1 in pink.

With a little effort in searching, the location and position of Yapton Sandakan on Google Maps.

This is SANDAKAN in UK...

Baker and his motorbike in 1922

 Ref:  Photo provided by Richard Rose.

• His great Uncle Ernest Reginal Baker in North Borneo. Mr Baker, Executive Engineer Public Work Department who was in-charge of the construction Tamparuli Bridge circa 1930. 

This post is about Mr. Baker and his motorcycle. To me, it looks very classic when viewed today and for future generations. Not all vehicles from the past can still be seen today. However, such vehicles are usually well-preserved and maintained in museums.

Do you know the type of this motor vehicle? I am sure it is a Lea-Francis, Registration No XH should be London 1921 - 63, unused after 1964. I am not certain about the engine capacity or model used. It could be the 3 ½ HP 496 cc M.A.G. IOE V-twin with frame # A 1640 and engine # 2 C10 No. 43208. If you know the type of engine, please write it in the comments.

In 1895, Richard Henry Lea and Graham Inglesby Francis started making high-quality bicycles in Coventry. By 1910, they decided to manufacture motorcycles. A prototype was built in 1911, and by 1912, it was ready for public introduction. Key features included an enclosed all-chain transmission, a Bosch magneto, a two-speed gear, and a detachable rear wheel. Their workmanship was of high quality, comparable to Sunbeam machines.

In 1914, they introduced a model with a 496 cc J.A.P. engine and a three-speed gearbox. After World War I, customers could choose between a J.A.P. or M.A.G. engine of 496 cc. From 1921, a 5 HP (592 cc) engine was also available. By mid-1924, they stopped making motorcycles and focused on light cars. A unique feature was the flexible metal downpipes of the exhaust system.

This 1920 model has a foot clutch, enclosed rear chain, Lucas acetylene lighting, and roomy footboards. It's an older restoration and a rare survivor, with only about two dozen remaining today. 

Let's take a look using the zoom tool.

The image marked A is the Lea-Francis brand.

Lea-Francis 3½hp Engine no. 2C10 43040

Here is what you need. Photo Credit: Bonhams Car

From Allen Misselbrook to Richard Rose

MISSING CHAPTER – History of Tamparuli Bridge (Low level floodable bridge)

"We can't undo or change the past, it can only be accepted. People may change, but the sunshine will shine forever."

While information about the bridge can be easily found on Wikipedia, I wanted to compile a more personal and comprehensive account in my blog. This isn't about re-quoting or rewriting history, but about sharing it, especially for today's young children and future generations. The truth is important.

After years of searching for information about the history of the Tamparuli Bridge (low-level floodable bridge in North Borneo), I was fortunate to find valuable details through the Yapton local history in the UK. The stories were fascinating. I read about the person who I believe built and designed the bridge many years ago. The most significant find was a photo of the Tamparuli low-level bridge in North Borneo, dated 1938. Many people might not be aware of this, and most of these photos have never been seen by the world or even Google. Local people often say the bridge was built by the British in the 1930s, which seems like a good estimate.

I reached out to Yapton local history and asked if someone could help me contact Richard Rose, who I believe is the great-grandchild of Ernest Reg Baker, the person who built and designed the Tamparuli bridge.

I have contacted Yapton local history and requested information about Richard Rose to facilitate my communication with him regarding the history of the construction of the Tamparuli Bridge - Date 2020-11-28 18:05

 

A few days after I received an email from the person in charge the Chairman of the Yapton & Ford Local History Group, they forwarded it to Richard Rose.

Ref:  The Chairman of the Yapton & Ford Local History Group

• This original text was received from Richard Rose via Allen email on Dec 01 2020, at 05:12.

Reg and Belle Baker - Part 2

Owners of Sandakan in UK

Ref:  Richard Rose

• This original text was received from Richard Rose via email on November 29, 2020, at 00:13.

My great Uncle, Ernest Reginald Baker (aka Reg to family and friends) was born on 21st December 1890 in East Dulwich, London. He was one of a family of 6 children, 3 boys and 3 girls, and youngest of these was my grandmother.

He attended High School Dulwich and then went on to attend Battersea Polytechnic from 1906 to 1908 where he studied Civil Engineering. In 1908 he then went north to a pupilage in  Newcastle where he underwent practical training. He worked for a well-known Newcastle Civil Engineer, J .Watt Sandeman. He performed surveying for harbours in the North East, and got involved in borings, foundations of buildings and harbour construction. He worked on the Tyne and Blyth, Whitby and Berwick Harbours.

In July 1914, aged 24, he left Southampton on a ship bound for Singapore, and then onto British North Borneo. He worked in the town of Sandakan (the name he later used for his house in Yapton) for the Public Works Department as an Assistant Engineer, under a Mr Budden. He worked on the construction of main roads, bridges, drains, culverts and sewers. He was also superintendent of construction of a “25 mile range” lighthouse. He applied to and became a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers in December 1916.

From passenger records, it would appear that he did 5 year stints in Borneo, after which he would return home for 6 months or so. In the days well before air travel, the trip by sea from Borneo, via Singapore or Japan, back to the UK would have taken 6-7 weeks.

In September 1926, he married Isabella (aka Belle) Hetherington, in Newcastle. I assume, but don’t know for sure, that he had met her many years before when he lived in Newcastle. The family always talked of her as a very lovely lady. They left for Borneo on a ship from London on 6th November 1926. 

They then proceeded to live the life of expats in Borneo. The family story had been that they left Borneo in a mad rush in January 1942, when the Japanese invaded the island for its oil reserves. However, I had since learnt that this was a rather fanciful story, and in fact they were back in the UK, living in Knutsford Cheshire in 1939 where Reg was employed with the Air Ministry as the Resident Engineer at RAF Padgate. To my knowledge, they never returned to Borneo after the war. In the family, we have a couple of items of furniture and some small artefacts from Borneo, that belonged to them. I assume these items adorned the rooms of Sandakan (see later) when they lived there. 

I have little knowledge of their time back in the UK. I now know, thanks to the recent help of the Yapton Local History Society, that they purchased the large house in Church Road, Yapton in 1949, renaming it Sandakan, and living there and running it as a guesthouse until the mid 1950s. I also know, from a family address book, that they lived at Oakshott Hanger, Hawkley, Liss, at some time, and perhaps this was after they sold Sandakan. 

Belle died in Churt, Surrey in February 1965. I do remember going to see Reg in the late 1960s when he lived in an apartment in South Harting; I was about 7 or 8 years old.  I remember him telling me that I would become an engineer, and he was right, for I too read Civil Engineering at University. Reg died in Chichester in March 1975, aged 84 years.

Ernest Reginal Baker - Executive Engineer PWD

 

After years of relentless searching, I finally stumbled upon a treasure trove of information about the history of the Tamparuli Bridge, a low-level floodable bridge in North Borneo. My quest led me to the Yapton local history archives in the UK, where I uncovered fascinating stories that brought the bridge's past to life.

NOTE: Mr Baker who was In-Charge of the construction, built and design Tamparuli Low Level Bridge circa 1930

Among the tales, I discovered the story of a man who, I believe, was the mastermind behind the bridge's construction and design many years ago. 

The most captivating find was a photograph of the Tamparuli Bridge, dated 1938. This image, previously unseen by the world and even Google, revealed a piece of history that had been hidden for decades. Local lore suggested that the bridge was built by the British in the 1930s, and this photograph seemed to confirm that estimate.

I believe the photo was taken as a memento before he retired and returned to the UK, more precisely before the Japanese occupation in 1941

Eager to learn more, I reached out to the Yapton local history society, hoping they could help me connect with Richard Rose, whom I believed to be the great-grandchild of Ernest Reg Baker, the visionary who brought the Tamparuli Bridge to life.

A few days later, Richard personally contacted me via email. What an absolute delight it was to receive his message and the wealth of information he shared! He was thrilled that someone from Borneo was inquiring about his great uncle, Ernest Reg Baker, and the Tamparuli Bridge. Richard has been diligently researching his family history, and his great uncle Reg was one of the more colorful characters, having spent most of his working life in Borneo.

Richard's mother, she died peacefully in May 2021. She was 94 years old and had had a good innings, but of course it was a difficult time and we were sad - Richard. We shared information and stories about his great uncle's journey to North Borneo. Did you know there is a place named Sandakan in the UK? We will cover this in the blog later. They must have named it Sandakan when they bought it in 1949, as it was the name of the town in North Borneo where they lived and worked. I researched the location, address, and photo on Google Maps, but unfortunately, the house is no longer available. It was demolished some years ago, and a small housing estate called 'The Limes' was built in its place. Its location was on Church Road, which joins Church Lane at the Church. On the map, it is called Yapton Lodge.

Ernest Reginald Baker (known as Reg to family and friends) was born on 21st December 1890, in East Dulwich, London. He was one of a family of 6 children, 3 boys and 3 girls, and youngest of these was my grandmother. The family group photo is the Bakers. Reg is third from the left, and his Granny is the little girl front middle.

He attended High School Dulwich and then went on to attend Battersea Polytechnic from 1906 to 1908 where he studied Civil Engineering. In 1908 he then went north to a pupilage in  Newcastle where he underwent practical training. He worked for a well-known Newcastle Civil Engineer, J .Watt Sandeman. He performed surveying for harbours in the North East, and got involved in borings, foundations of buildings and harbour construction. He worked on the Tyne and Blyth, Whitby and Berwick Harbours. 

In July 1914, at the tender age of 24, he embarked on a life-changing journey. Leaving Southampton behind, he set sail on a ship bound for Singapore, and from there, ventured onward to the exotic lands of British North Borneo. His destination was the bustling town of Sandakan, where he joined the Public Works Department as an Assistant Engineer under the guidance of Mr. Budden.

In Sandakan, he dedicated himself to the construction of vital infrastructure—main roads, bridges, drains, culverts, and sewers. His expertise and passion for engineering also led him to oversee the construction of a "25-mile range" lighthouse, a beacon of hope and safety for sailors navigating the treacherous waters.

His commitment to his craft did not go unnoticed. In December 1916, he applied for and proudly became a member of the prestigious Institution of Civil Engineers. His journey was not just one of professional achievement, but also a testament to his adventurous spirit and unwavering dedication to building a better world.

Ref: Richard Rose which I believe he is great grand children Ernest Reg Baker the one who built and designed the bridge.

Tamparuli Low Level Bridge

Jambatan Tamparuli (Low Level Bridge) Built circa 1932

Gambar asli Jambatan Tamparuli tahun 1938. Anak saudara kepada salah seorang jurutera jambatan tamparuli 30-an telah memberikan kepada Admin sebagai rujukan dan sumber kajian bersama.

Gambar diatas tahun 1938 dimana pembinaan bermula pada tahun 1932. Jika dilihat hari ini jambatan ini masih kekal kukuh dengan bahan buatan yang berkualiti dan kaedah pembinaan yang sangat teliti dan keadaan persekitaran dengan pandangan jauh ke hadapan.

 

Tahun 1954 hujung jambatan (menghala ke KK/Kiulu) dibina semula apabila beberapa kali rosak akibat banjir dan pembinaannya hampir sama dengan yang asal oleh jurutera British dan tempatan.

Sejauh mana jambatan ini masih bertahan?

Telah terbukti sehingga ke hari ini jambatan tamparuli masih kukuh dan kekal dengan reka bentuknya. Adakah semua ini benar mengikut kepercayaan turun temurun bahawasanya TOMBUAKAR yang menjaga jambatan sejak sekian lama? 

Apa yang jelas, pembinaan jurutera dan pakar tempatan tidak boleh diambil ringan. Dengan segala kemahiran, kepakaran teknikal dan bahan buatan memainkan peranan sehingga terbinanya jambatan yang kini hampir 100 tahun.

Beberapa pertanyaan telah diajukan kepada jurutera binaan seperti jalanraya, jambatan dan landasan. Maka dapat disimpulkan bahawa beberapa perkara wajib dititikberat seperti: 

a. Bahan binaan

b. Kelajuan/kederasan dan ketinggian air apabila berlakunya banjir.

c. Muatan banjir.

d. Kedalaman tiang konkrit.

e. Kemahiran jurutera dan pekerja.

1. Isi padu air

Semuanya memainkan peranan penting dari segi pembinaan infrastruktur agar tahan, kukuh dan stabil.

 

Ref:  Original photo & contents by Richard Rose UK.