Major Steve Baker (as he is known to Oswestrians), is actually Lieutenant Colonel Baker, rather than Major. Having been at Oswestry initially for a few months, he returned after completing his second tour to, what used to be called, the Gold Coast; a section of the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, in Africa. During this period Steve was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, but because he was instantly recognised as 'Major Baker' by the boys on his return to school, he retained this title.

Major Baker and teacher Mike Lynch came up with the idea of taking the boys (originally) to trek in Hannibal's footsteps. Securing two brand new land rovers from the army, the first expedition was born taking 30 days from start to finish.