Maurice Baring (27 April 1874 – 14 December 1945) was a versatile English man of letters, known as a dramatist, poet, novelist, translator and essayist, and also as a travel writer and war correspondent. At the start of World War I he joined the Royal Flying Corps, where he served as assistant to Trenchard. In 1918 Baring served as a staff officer in the Royal Air Force and was appointed OBE. In 1925 Baring received an honorary commission as a wing commander in the Reserve of Air Force Officers.

After an abortive start on a diplomatic career, he travelled widely, particularly in Russia. He reported as an eye-witness on the Russo-Japanese War for the London Morning Post.[1]